Judge Drops Murder Charge Against Philadelphia Police Officer Who Shot Driver During Traffic Stop

A judge on Tuesday dismissed all charges, including murder, against the Philadelphia police officer who had been accused of wrongfully killing a motorist last month.

Mark Dial pulled over Eddie Irizarry, 27, on Aug. 14 before he shot him through the rolled-up driver’s side window, body camera video has shown.

The video was played in court Tuesday, but Philadelphia Municipal Judge Wendy Pew ruled there was not enough evidence to go to trial, bringing an emotional reaction from Irizarry’s loved ones in court.

The defense argued that Dial, 27, could be seen backing away from the vehicle as he opened fire, believing Irizarry had a gun. The video showed that Irizarry had been holding a knife in his right hand.

Dial had been charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, official oppression and four other counts {snip}

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Prosecutors vowed to appeal Pew’s ruling and have charges brought against Dial again.

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