PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Murder charges were held against two men for the March killing of Philadelphia SWAT Sgt. James O’Connor. Two others face related charges in the shootout.
Bilal Mitchell and Hassan Elliott face charges of murder of a law enforcement officer of the first degree, assault on law enforcement, and conspiracy, as well as gun and drug charges.
O’Connor was fatally shot while serving an arrest warrant for Elliot for the murder of another man, Tyrone Tyree.
Prosecutors say both Mitchell and Elliott’s DNA were on the guns found inside the house where it happened, along Bridge Street.
And, prosecutors say the pair, along with Khalif Sears, exchanged prison notes celebrating the killing.
However, Judge James DeLeon dismissed the murder charge against Sears, upholding attempted murder and conspiracy. Prosecutors may refile in the near future.
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Another man, Sherman Easterling, who officials say was also inside the room where the guns were fired, was held only for gun offenses.
The judge heard testimony from investigators last month, but one of the defense attorneys went into labor, so he delayed final arguments.
Federal authorities have also been investigating the case. Law enforcement sources say they are tracking the guns, and potential indictments could be coming soon.
All four men are expected to be arraigned next month.