Who is Marc Pfeffer?
Miles Pfeffer, the 18-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 2023, is the son of Marc Pfeffer. Marc resides on a farm close to Quarry Road in Buckingham, Bucks County, along with his wife Jill Petrushka and their other children.
What happened on the day of the shooting?
According to video surveillance footage, Officer Fitzgerald engaged in a foot pursuit of Miles Pfeffer, who was clad in all-black attire, heading westbound on Montgomery Avenue. The pursuit culminated just east of 18th Street, where a physical altercation ensued between the officer and the suspect.
Throughout the struggle, Officer Fitzgerald repeatedly instructed the suspect to get on the ground. Subsequently, the suspect discharged a handgun at Officer Fitzgerald, causing him to collapse. The assailant then stood over Officer Fitzgerald, firing additional shots into his face and head².
Miles Pfeffer’s brother, present during the shooting, witnessed the incident. Taking cover in an alley, he observed the officer pursuing Miles Pfeffer and heard the gunshots. Following the tragic event, Miles Pfeffer fled the scene in a stolen vehicle and was later picked up by his mother, Jill Petrushka, at 29th Street and Ridge Avenue. They proceeded to drive to their residence on Quarry Road².
How did the police arrest Miles Pfeffer and his parents?
On February 19, 2023, a collaborative effort by multiple agencies conducted a raid at the Pfeffer residence. This operation resulted in the apprehension of Miles Pfeffer, the confiscation of several weapons, and the detention of Jill Petrushka for questioning. In a solemn tradition to honor the fallen officer, Miles Pfeffer was restrained with Officer Fitzgerald’s handcuffs¹. While Marc Pfeffer was present at the residence during the arrest, it remains uncertain whether he underwent questioning or faced charges by the police³.
What are the charges against Miles Pfeffer and his mother?
Miles Pfeffer is facing a total of 24 charges, encompassing murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, carjacking, firearm offenses, possession of an instrument of crime, and other related offenses. With no eligibility for bail, he confronts the potential consequences of life imprisonment or the death penalty²⁵.
Jill Petrushka is implicated in allegedly aiding and abetting her son’s escape from the crime scene. There is speculation and demand from some social media users regarding potential criminal charges against her for her involvement in the incident. However, authorities have not officially confirmed whether she will be charged².
How did the community react to the shooting and the arrest?
The tragic shooting of Officer Fitzgerald, a dedicated 12-year veteran of the Temple University Police Department and a father to two young children, has deeply disturbed and saddened the community. In his honor, a vigil took place on February 20, 2023, at the Temple University campus, drawing hundreds of people who gathered to pay their respects and offer condolences to his family and colleagues⁵.
The subsequent arrest of Miles Pfeffer and his parents has ignited both outrage and curiosity within the public. Some neighbors of the Pfeffer family, who claim to have limited knowledge of them, describe occasional noise and disturbances.
Additionally, there are reports of regular police visits to the Pfeffer residence for nuisance crimes¹³. Online discussions reflect questions about the motives and background of Miles Pfeffer and his parents, with calls for justice and accountability².
