Pennsylvania police officer charged with voluntary manslaughter in killing of college student

A Pennsylvania police officer has been charged with voluntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old college student, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele. The incident occurred on August 23 when 58-year-old Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. Sean Farrell shot Glenwood Earl Pysher IV. The Montgomery County Detective Bureau conducted the investigation, which reviewed footage from Farrell's body-worn camera.

According to the prosecutor, Farrell had less-than-lethal options available, including a taser, but did not use them. At the time of the shooting, Farrell was a safe distance from Pysher, who was behind a car and had his hands raised. Pysher was also unarmed and not a threat. The prosecutor stated that the use of deadly force was not justified under the law, leading to the charge of voluntary manslaughter.