PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Former Philadelphia police officer Edsaul Mendoza pleaded guilty Friday to the shooting death of a 12-year-old in South Philadelphia nearly two years ago.
On March 1, 2022, Mendoza was in an unmarked police car on an illegal gun investigation with three other plainclothes officers wearing badges when they encountered two males riding bikes.
They say 12-year-old Thomas Siderio, known as T.J., allegedly fired a shot into the unmarked police car, shattering a rear window.
That’s when Mendoza got out of the car and chased the 12-year-old, firing three shots — the first near 18th and Barbara streets.
After the second shot, investigators believe Siderio got rid of the gun. The third shot fatally struck the 12-year-old in the back while he was on the ground, unarmed.
On April 19, 2024, Mendoza pleaded guilty to third-degree murder.
Sentencing is scheduled for July.
Clarke Beljaen, assistant district attorney, says the minimum recommended sentence is 7 1/2 years. The maximum is 40.
“With a guilty plea, there is finality. The family will continue to be involved whenever Mr. Mendoza is up for parole consideration. They will be allowed to come in to make a statement to the court about the impact T.J.'s death has had on them in the family,” Beljaen said.