A Pennsylvania police officer faces voluntary manslaughter charges after fatally shooting an unarmed college student who had mistakenly knocked on the wrong door following a night out with friends. Body camera footage contradicted the officer’s account of the deadly encounter.
Fatal Mistake at Wrong Address
Upper Pottsgrove Police Corporal Sean Farrell shot 22-year-old Glenwood Earl Pysher IV on August 23 after responding to a reported break-in. Pysher had been out at a bar with friends and accidentally went to the wrong house. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the charges on Tuesday, declaring the shooting an unjustified use of lethal force against an unarmed man who posed no threat.
According to the criminal complaint, Pysher realized his mistake after sending friends a photo of where he was. He shared his location so they could pick him up, but Farrell arrived first. The officer found Pysher on a back patio and immediately drew his pistol despite being equipped with a taser and baton, authorities said.
Body Camera Contradicts Officer’s Account
Body camera footage shows Farrell commanding Pysher to raise his hands and get on the ground. Pysher complied by putting his hands up but began walking toward the officer. Farrell repeated his commands twice more, then yelled “stop or I’ll” before firing twice, cutting himself off mid-sentence. Pysher stood approximately 17 to 20 feet away when Farrell opened fire, court documents reveal.
Farrell later told another officer that Pysher “charged me, screaming and yelling and wouldn’t get down on the ground.” District Attorney Steele flatly rejected this characterization after reviewing the video evidence. “The young man has his hands up. He does not have a weapon. He did not charge or act aggressively,” Steele stated. The complaint notes Farrell maintained a safe distance behind cover as Pysher approached with hands raised.
Family Seeks Justice for Lost Son
Pysher’s parents described their son as a beloved community member who was scheduled to begin classes at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey. His funeral took place Monday, just days before he was supposed to start his college education. Family attorney Ken Fulginiti characterized the incident as “a totally innocuous, pedestrian nothing” that somehow resulted in tragedy. “The family is very interested to make sure there is justice,” Fulginiti said. The criminal complaint alleges Farrell used deadly force unreasonably without considering less lethal options against an intoxicated but compliant young man who presented no genuine threat.