PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One of the men convicted of shooting and killing a Philadelphia police officer more than a decade ago had his conviction overturned on Monday.
Rafael Jones was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015 for the killing of Philadelphia Police Officer Moses Walker. He was sentenced to immediate life in prison but has been appealing his conviction ever since.
Walker was shot and killed on Aug. 18, 2012, by two men — later identified as Jones and Chancier McFarland. McFarland took a plea deal for third-degree murder and testified that Jones was the shooter.
During a hearing on Monday, Judge Jennifer Schultz overturned Jones’ conviction as he wore a light orange jumpsuit, with his family behind him, and ordered a new trial, citing the case’s connection to disgraced former homicide detective Philip Nordo.
Philip Nordo Philadelphia Police Department
Nordo was convicted in 2022 of sexual assault and rape, accused of using his power and position to control witnesses and informants.
Prosecutors said one victim met Nordo days after Officer Walker was killed. He was questioned by detectives after he was stopped by police for having a similar car seen fleeing the scene. He told investigators his cousin, McFarland, had a similar car.
Prosecutors said Nordo threatened the victim and raped him. The accuser later received $20,000 of the city's homicide reward money and said Nordo falsely wrote up the paperwork claiming his tip led investigators to McFarland and Jones.
Judge Schultz said Nordo sat in on Jones’ confession. Although it was never used in the original trial, knowing what Nordo had done could have altered Jones’ defense strategy, she said.
The Walker family said they are disgusted.
“The evidence — it would have had no bearing on him because we know he was the shooter. Now my family has to go through the anguish, reliving the feelings of having to have another trial; that is not fair. That is not fair; my family should have been represented better,” said Walker’s mother, Wayniya.
Roosevelt Poplar, president of the police union FOP Lodge 5, said they are keeping tabs on what’s next.
“Keep putting the family through this. I didn’t like the judge’s ruling; I didn’t like her conduct," Poplar said. "The constant talking directly to the defendant, I have never seen that before."
District Attorney Larry Krasner would not answer whether the office will appeal the judge’s decision.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said he is disappointed by the decision, "particularly for the family of Officer Moses Walker and every member of this department who continues to carry his loss. At the same time, we respect the court and the legal process. We remain confident in the evidence surrounding this case and believe that, when the process is complete, the individual responsible for Officer Walker’s murder will continue to be held accountable and will never again walk free."
