Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. Sean Farrell was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Glenwood Earl Pysher IV, a 22-year-old college student who mistakenly went to the wrong house late at night. According to body camera footage reviewed by investigators, Farrell yelled commands for Pysher to drop to the ground but fired two shots before finishing his sentence, striking Pysher twice in the chest and killing him.
Key Takeaways
A Pennsylvania police officer was charged with voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting an unarmed college student who mistakenly went to the wrong house late at night. According to body camera footage, the officer fired two shots despite having less-lethal options available.
- Officer Sean Farrell shot Glenwood Earl Pysher IV twice in the chest
- Body camera video showed Pysher with hands raised and no weapon
- District Attorney Kevin Steele stated that Pysher was not a threat
- Farrell had less-than-lethal options, including a taser, which he did not use
- Preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 10
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▼Source Claims Check
High ConsensusAll 4 publishers report consistent facts across 5 key claims.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Filed | Broad Agreement | Officer Sean Farrell charged with voluntary manslaughter. | |
| Victim Details | Broad Agreement | Glenwood Earl Pysher IV, 22-year-old college student. | |
| Shooting Details | Broad Agreement | Officer fired two shots at unarmed victim with hands raised. | |
| Less Lethal Options | Broad Agreement | Officer had less-lethal options, including a taser. | |
| Distance At Shooting | Broad Agreement | Victim was 17-20 feet from the officer when shot. |
Charge Filed
Broad AgreementOfficer Sean Farrell charged with voluntary manslaughter.
Victim Details
Broad AgreementGlenwood Earl Pysher IV, 22-year-old college student.
Shooting Details
Broad AgreementOfficer fired two shots at unarmed victim with hands raised.
Less Lethal Options
Broad AgreementOfficer had less-lethal options, including a taser.
Distance At Shooting
Broad AgreementVictim was 17-20 feet from the officer when shot.
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The investigation found that Farrell had less-than-lethal options on his utility belt, including a taser, which he did not employ. At the time of the shooting, Farrell was behind a car at a safe distance from Pysher, who had his hands raised and was unarmed. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele stated that Pysher was not a threat and that the use of deadly force was not justified.
Farrell turned himself in to Montgomery County detectives on Tuesday. Magisterial District Judge Cathleen Rebar set bail at $75,000, with the condition that Farrell turn in all weapons to the state police. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 10.
The incident began when a resident called 911 to report someone trying to break into the back door of a home. Pysher had been out at several bars earlier in the evening and left around midnight to walk half a mile to another friend's house but ended up at the wrong address, believing it was his friend's residence.
How this summary was created
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