Charges against Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial have been dismissed at a preliminary hearing. The judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to show that Dial’s fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop was a crime. Dial’s lawyers argued that he acted in self-defense, perceiving a potential threat to his safety. The decision has sparked outrage from Irizarry’s relatives, who believe that Dial should be held accountable for the shooting. The District Attorney’s Office has appealed the decision and plans to refile the charges against Dial.
Charges against Philly Officer Mark Dial Dismissed
A Philadelphia judge has dismissed all charges against former city Police Officer Mark Dial, ruling that prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to show that his fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry while on-duty last month was a crime. Following a preliminary hearing, Municipal Court Judge Wendy L. Pew agreed with Dial’s lawyers that the officer was justified when he shot Irizarry, and that he and his partner were reacting to a situation in which they believed Irizarry presented a potential threat to their safety.
Outrage and Appeal
The decision to dismiss the charges has sparked outrage from Irizarry’s relatives, who believe that Dial should be held accountable for the shooting. Speaking outside the courthouse, Irizarry’s aunt Zoraida Garcia expressed her frustration, stating that the officers can “get away with murder.” The District Attorney’s Office has quickly appealed the decision in an attempt to refile the charges against Dial. A hearing on the appeal is scheduled for next month.
