Who is Marc Pfeffer?
Marc Pfeffer is the father of Miles Pfeffer, the 18-year-old suspect who allegedly shot and killed Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 2023⁵. Marc Pfeffer lives on a farm near Quarry Road in Buckingham, Bucks County, with his wife Jill Petrushka and their other children¹²⁴.
What happened on the day of the shooting?
According to video surveillance footage, Officer Fitzgerald was in a foot pursuit of Miles Pfeffer, who was dressed in all black clothing, westbound on Montgomery Avenue. The officer caught up with the suspect just east of 18th Street, where they got into a struggle. Officer Fitzgerald was heard repeatedly yelling at the suspect to get on the ground. The suspect then fired a handgun at Officer Fitzgerald, who fell to the ground. The suspect then stood over Officer Fitzgerald and fired several more shots into his face and head area².
Miles Pfeffer’s brother was with him when the shooting happened and witnessed the incident. He ducked into an alley and hid, and saw the officer chase Miles Pfeffer and then heard gunshots. After fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle, Miles Pfeffer was picked up by his mother Jill Petrushka at 29th Street and Ridge Avenue, and driven to their home on Quarry Road².
How did the police arrest Miles Pfeffer and his parents?
A multi-agency team raided the Pfeffer residence on February 19, 2023, taking Miles Pfeffer into custody, seizing multiple weapons, and taking Jill Petrushka in for questioning. Officers used Officer Fitzgerald’s handcuffs on Miles Pfeffer, as a tradition to honor the fallen officer¹. Marc Pfeffer was also at the home during the time of the arrest, but it is unclear whether he was questioned or charged by the police³.
What are the charges against Miles Pfeffer and his mother?
Miles Pfeffer is charged with 24 counts, including murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, carjacking, firearm offenses, possession of an instrument of crime, and related offenses. He is not eligible for bail and faces the possibility of life imprisonment or death penalty²⁵.
Jill Petrushka is accused of aiding and abetting her son in escaping the crime scene. She may face criminal charges for her role in the incident, as some social media users have speculated and demanded. However, the authorities have not confirmed whether she will be charged or not².
How did the community react to the shooting and the arrest?
The shooting of Officer Fitzgerald, who was a 12-year veteran of the Temple University Police Department and a father of two young children, has shocked and saddened the community. A vigil was held in his honor on February 20, 2023, at the Temple University campus, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects and express their condolences to his family and colleagues⁵.
The arrest of Miles Pfeffer and his parents has also sparked outrage and curiosity among the public. Some neighbors of the Pfeffer family have said that they did not know them well, and that they had been noisy and troublesome at times. Some have also said that the police had visited the Pfeffer residence regularly for nuisance crimes¹³. Some online users have questioned the motives and background of Miles Pfeffer and his parents, and have called for justice and accountability for their actions².