By: Richard L. Smith
A Pennsylvania police officer has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of a 22-year-old student who attended Saint Elizabeth University in Morris County, New Jersey.
According to information released Tuesday by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Upper Pottsgrove Township Police Corporal Sean Farrell, 58, is accused of fatally shooting Glenwood “Bubba” Pysher during an encounter on August 23.
Authorities said Pysher had been out celebrating a friend’s 21st birthday and returned from a bar with a designated driver. Later, he walked toward another friend’s home to continue the evening but apparently went to the wrong residence, ending up on the back patio of a home on Snyder Road.
The homeowner called 911 and reported that a man was behind the residence and was believed to be attempting to get inside. Farrell was reportedly the first officer to arrive.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, body-worn camera footage showed Farrell approaching with his firearm drawn and taking a position behind a vehicle.
The officer ordered Pysher to show his hands and get on the ground.
Investigators said Pysher raised his hands and continued walking toward the officer. Farrell repeatedly ordered him to get on the ground before firing two shots, striking Pysher in the chest.
Authorities said Pysher was approximately 17 to 20 feet from Farrell when the shots were fired and was unarmed.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said the investigation also determined that Farrell had less-lethal equipment available, including a Taser, that was not used during the encounter.
Farrell now faces a voluntary manslaughter charge as the case moves through the Pennsylvania court system.
Pysher was a student at Saint Elizabeth University, a private university located in Morris County, New Jersey.