Larry Krasner asks police to hold off shooting camera footage

Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner is demanding police to hold off on releasing body-worn camera footage or other images related to the case of a man shot and killed by two officers after police said he fired into a crowd early on Christmas Day, killing his son and wounding another youth.

As stated by The Register Citizen, Krasner had asked the police commissioner that video or photo evidence in the investigation be withheld “until we have received input from the families of the deceased and the survivor on what, if any, images or footage can be released publicly.”

District Attorney, Krasner said he was waiting for “important pieces of forensic evidence” that would allow the release of more information within several weeks.

“Out of respect for all parties involved, I urge the press and the public to allow our investigation to be completed before drawing conclusions,” Krasner said, adding that some early reporting “has unfortunately contained incomplete information or inaccuracies.”

Police officials reported they responded to a disturbance in northeast Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood shortly before 12:30 a.m. Friday and were trying to defuse matters when additional family members came out of their homes and formed a crowd outside and fights broke out.

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Authorities said Jesus Perez, 43, pulled a gun and fired, hitting his son, 15-year-old Jeremy Perez and striking a 17-year-old youth who is also related to him. Two officers then fired, hitting Jesus Perez. He and his son were both pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital. The other youth has been in stable condition.

An objective investigation

It was determined that the gun used by Jesus Perez, a .9mm Smith & Wesson handgun Jesus had been reported stolen out of Virginia. Police said there were two officers involved in the shooting, a 39-year-old officer who has been on the force for six years and a 45-year-old officer who has been with the force for nine months.

According to Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw it is necessary “a thorough, complete and objective investigation.” Outlaw added that “the decision to utilize deadly force is the most serious action a police officer can undertake.”