A Pennsylvania police officer faces voluntary manslaughter charges after fatally shooting an unarmed 22-year-old college student who mistakenly knocked on the wrong door while trying to find a friend’s house, with body camera footage contradicting the officer’s initial account of the encounter.
What Happened That Night
Upper Pottsgrove Police Corporal Sean Farrell shot Glenwood Earl Pysher IV twice on August 23 after responding to a homeowner’s report of a potential break-in. Pysher had been out with friends at a bar and walked to what he thought was his friend’s residence. When he realized his error, he texted his location to friends who planned to pick him up. Before they arrived, Farrell responded to the scene and encountered Pysher on the back patio.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the charges on September 1, declaring the shooting unjustified. Body camera footage shows Pysher had his hands raised and was unarmed throughout the encounter. Despite being equipped with a taser and baton, Farrell immediately drew his pistol. The video reveals Farrell commanded Pysher to raise his hands and get down, but before completing his warning, the officer fired twice while Pysher stood 17 to 20 feet away with hands raised.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
The criminal complaint reveals a stark discrepancy between the officer’s statements and what the body camera recorded. Farrell told a fellow officer afterward that Pysher had charged at him while screaming and refusing commands. However, District Attorney Steele stated the video shows something completely different. The young man had his hands up, displayed no weapon, and showed no aggressive behavior. He was intoxicated but complying with commands to raise his hands, according to prosecutors.
The complaint emphasizes that Farrell maintained a safe distance behind cover as Pysher approached with hands raised. Prosecutors argue the corporal used deadly force unreasonably without considering less lethal options available to him. Steele characterized the situation bluntly, stating Pysher posed no threat to homeowners, was not attempting to flee, and had committed no forcible felony.
A Family’s Loss
Pysher was scheduled to begin classes at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey the week after his death. His funeral took place on September 1, one day before the charges were announced. His parents describe him as a good young man beloved in his community. Family attorney Ken Fulginiti called the incident a routine mistake that inexplicably resulted in a young man’s death. The family has vowed to pursue justice and answers about why a simple error in judgment cost their son his life.