Philadelphia Jury Finds Man Guilty of Killing Temple University Police Officer in Cold-Blooded Shooting

Justice Delivered in Temple Officer’s Tragic Death

A Philadelphia jury has delivered a swift and decisive verdict in the case surrounding the fatal shooting of a Temple University police officer, convicting 20-year-old Miles Pfeffer of first-degree murder and other serious charges. The conviction marks a turning point in one of the city’s most devastating recent crimes, which left a university community and family grieving the loss of Officer Christopher Fitzgerald.

A Deadly Encounter in North Philadelphia

The incident occurred in February 2023, when Officer Christopher Fitzgerald spotted a group of masked individuals — later identified as Pfeffer, his brother, and a friend — in an area plagued by recent robberies and carjackings. Acting on suspicion, Fitzgerald attempted to confront them. Two of the individuals fled and hid, but Pfeffer was chased down by the officer.

According to prosecutors, Fitzgerald ordered Pfeffer to the ground, prompting a struggle. During the confrontation, Pfeffer pulled out a firearm and shot Fitzgerald six times — some of those shots delivered at point-blank range. The horrific act was captured on security camera footage, which was shown during the trial. The video, prosecutors argued, clearly demonstrated Pfeffer’s intent to kill.

A Jury’s Swift Verdict

The question at trial was not whether Pfeffer shot Officer Fitzgerald — that fact was undisputed. Instead, jurors were tasked with determining whether the killing was intentional or a result of panic. Pfeffer’s defense team portrayed him as an 18-year-old who acted out of fear and confusion. However, the prosecution presented a compelling case, emphasizing the calculated nature of the shooting and Pfeffer's deliberate decision to fire multiple rounds, even after the officer was incapacitated.

It took the jury less than 30 minutes to reach a unanimous decision. Pfeffer was convicted of first-degree murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, firearms violations, and additional related offenses.

Family and Community Mourning a Hero

Officer Christopher Fitzgerald, 31, was not only a dedicated member of the Temple University Police Department, but also a husband and father. His untimely death sent shockwaves through both the local law enforcement community and the city of Philadelphia. His father, a former city officer now serving as the head of the Denver transit police, publicly called for the death penalty — a punishment not pursued by District Attorney Larry Krasner, who remains opposed to capital punishment.

The Temple University Police Association echoed this sentiment, calling Krasner’s decision not to seek the death penalty "devastating." Despite those concerns, the first-degree murder conviction ensures that Pfeffer will spend the rest of his life in prison. Under Pennsylvania law, the conviction carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Arrest on a Bucks County Estate

Pfeffer was apprehended hours after the shooting at his mother’s expansive 18th-century farm in the affluent Buckingham area of Bucks County. The arrest followed an intensive manhunt and marked the end of a deeply unsettling chapter for the region.

During the trial, Pfeffer’s own brother took the stand to testify against him — further solidifying the prosecution’s case and highlighting the devastating impact the crime had on multiple families.

Awaiting Sentencing

While a formal sentencing date has not yet been announced, Pfeffer faces life in prison. Court records confirm the mandatory nature of his sentence given the first-degree murder conviction, leaving no ambiguity about the outcome.

Remembering Officer Fitzgerald

As the city reflects on the service and sacrifice of Officer Fitzgerald, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in law enforcement and the long-lasting consequences of violence. His legacy lives on through the community he served and the family he leaves behind — a wife, children, and colleagues who continue to honor his memory.