City will pay million to family of 12-year-old boy shot and killed by police.
The city of Philadelphia has reached a million settlement with the family of Thomas “TJ” Siderio, who was fatally shot by a plainclothes police officer in March 2022. This settlement comes just two months after what would have been Siderio’s 16th birthday, marking a tragic moment in the family’s quest for justice following their loss.
Siderio was unarmed at the time of the incident, making him the youngest person ever killed by a city police officer. The officer involved in the shooting, Edsaul Mendoza, was sentenced to a prison term ranging from eight to twenty years after pleading guilty to charges of third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime. Mendoza’s actions have raised significant scrutiny regarding police practices in Philadelphia, particularly in regard to use-of-force protocols.
In January 2024, Siderio’s family filed a lawsuit against both the city and Mendoza, seeking compensation for the emotional and economic suffering caused by Siderio’s death. Media News Source has not been able to confirm if the family has provided any comments regarding the settlement.
The events leading up to the tragic shooting unfolded on March 1, 2022, when Siderio was riding bicycles with a 17-year-old friend near 18th and Barbara Streets in South Philadelphia. Officers in an unmarked vehicle, believing Siderio’s companion had a stolen firearm, approached the boys without activating police lights or calling for backup. In an attempt to evade the officers, Siderio discharged a firearm towards the patrol car, shattering the rear passenger window.
As Siderio and his companion fled in different directions, Officer Mendoza pursued Siderio and discharged his weapon multiple times. Reports indicate that Siderio was unarmed and face down when Mendoza fired the critical shot that resulted in his death. The boy weighed only 111 pounds and stood at 5 feet tall, having faced significant challenges throughout his childhood.
The fallout from the incident led to Mendoza’s immediate termination and subsequent criminal charges, including a first-degree murder allegation which captured significant media attention. District Attorney Larry Krasner described the situation surrounding Siderio’s shooting as “very, very disturbing.” Mendoza’s conviction marks a rare occurrence in the city’s history, being just the fourth time an officer has faced such consequences for a fatal shooting.
This case underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding police conduct and community safety in urban areas, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about reform and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The family’s settlement, although a financial resolution, cannot replace the loss of their son, emphasizing the profound impact of this tragic incident on the community and beyond.
