SHARE

Eddie Irizarry Killing: Murder Charges Reinstated Against Ex-Philly Cop

A Philadelphia judge has reinstated the criminal charges against an ex-police officer related to the August killing of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry, according to multiple news outlets and court records. 

This still from PPD Officer Mark Dial's body camera footage shows the instant before he fatally shot 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry in Kensington on Aug. 14.

This still from PPD Officer Mark Dial's body camera footage shows the instant before he fatally shot 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry in Kensington on Aug. 14.

Photo Credit: Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

Former PPD officer Mark Dial was charged with murder, aggravated assault, official oppression, and related counts after he shot Irizarry dead during a traffic stop in Kensington on Aug. 14. 

Dial originally told investigators he shot Irizarry after the 27-year-old lunged at him with a knife, though his body camera footage later revealed Irizarry never got out of his car. 

He was later fired by then-PPD Commissioner Danielle Outlaw for "insubordination," "failure to cooperate in a departmental investigation," "refusal to obey proper orders," and "conduct unbecoming."

Dial's charges were dismissed last month when Municipal Court Judge Wendy L. Pew agreed with the ex-cop's attorneys that he acted in self-defense. District Attorney Larry Krasner said at the time that he would seek to file the charges again. 

In a hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 24 Common Pleas Judge Lillian Ransom decided that the case should go to trial and reinstated the charges, 6abc and others reported.

Pennsylvania court records show that Dial's bail was denied at the hearing on Wednesday and his formal arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 15. 

The DA's Office declined to comment on the reinstatement, telling Daily Voice: "We will be trying this case in a Philadelphia courtroom, not in the media."

The September decision to dismiss Dial's charges was criticized by Mayor Jim Kenney, who called for "justice and accountability," as well as Councilmember Kendra Brooks, who said she was "outraged" and called for a "full trial."

Riots followed in Center City and elsewhere, resulting in dozens of arrests. 

"What we had tonight was a bunch of criminal opportunists take advantage of a situation and make an attempt to destroy our city," interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said at the time. 

to follow Daily Voice Lancaster and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE