Pennsylvania Police Officer Charged with Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting of College Student

An Upper Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, police officer is facing charges of voluntary manslaughter following the shooting of a college student who mistakenly arrived at the wrong residence. The incident occurred on August 23, involving 22-year-old Glenwood Earl Pysher IV.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele reported the charges against Upper Pottsgrove Police Corporal Sean Farrell. Pysher had been out with friends at a bar and mistakenly knocked on the door of an incorrect home, which led to the homeowners calling the police. According to the criminal complaint, Pysher communicated with his friends, sending a picture and his location to indicate his whereabouts.

Before his friends arrived, Farrell encountered Pysher on a back patio, the complaint states. Despite Pysher being unarmed, Farrell chose to draw his pistol, bypassing other equipment like a taser and baton. Body camera footage reveals Farrell instructing Pysher to raise his hands and lie on the ground. However, as Pysher approached with his hands raised, Farrell shot him twice without completing his warning command. Pysher was roughly 17-20 feet away from Farrell at the time.

“The young man had his hands up, was not aggressive or armed,” Steele said. “He was following commands and posed no threat.”

The criminal complaint emphasizes that Farrell was at a safe distance and had cover, questioning why less lethal options were not considered.

Pysher’s parents described their son as a well-regarded member of the community, preparing to begin studies at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey. They struggle to understand the circumstances that led to his death.

Farrell surrendered to Montgomery County detectives and is scheduled for arraignment.