Ex Philly Cop Pleads Guilty To Murder In Killing Of 12-Year-Old Boy

PHILADELPHIA — A former Philadelphia Police officer pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in the killing of a 12-year-old boy in March 2022.

Edsaul Mendoza, 28, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty in court to third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crimes charges. He will be sentenced on July 22, court records show.

Mendoza shot and killed Thomas "TJ" Siderio on March 1, 2022.

The situation unfolded at about 7:24 p.m. that day.

Four plainclothes officers, including Mendoza, in an unmarked vehicle were canvassing the area of 18th and Johnston streets as part of a firearm violation investigation.

The officers saw two juveniles, one later identified as Siderio, at 18th and Barbara streets, one of which was sought for questioning in connection with a firearm investigation, police said.

When the officers tried to stop the boys after activating their lights, Siderio fired a stolen laser-equipped 9 mm handgun at the vehicle, striking the rear passenger window, police said.

Two of the four officers got out of the vehicle and fired twice at Siderio, police said.

Siderio ran off.

That's when authorities said Mendoza fired two more shots at Siderio, striking him once upper right back, police said.

Authorities said Mendoza shot Siderio when he was face-down on the sidewalk and was about half a car length away when he fired the shots.

Siderio was taken to Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:29 p.m., police said.

The other boy, 17, was stopped by police for investigation and then released pending further investigation.

Police said one of the officers in the vehicle was also taken to Presbyterian Hospital after being injured by shards of glass in his face and eyes.

The gun used was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine.

No one else was hurt in the incident.