Back in the United States, prosecutors in Pennsylvania have charged East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld with criminal homicide for fatally shooting Antwon Rose, a 17-year-old unarmed African-American high school student. Video of the June 19 shooting shows Rosfeld shot Rose in the back while the teenager was trying to flee a traffic stop. Officer Rosfeld had been sworn in to the city’s police department just three hours before the shooting. The woman who filmed Antwon’s killing said it looked like officer Rosfeld “was taking target practice on this young man’s back.” This is Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala.
District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.: “I find that Rosfeld’s actions were intentional, and they certainly brought about the result that he was looking to accomplish.”
Zappala said he’d ask a jury to consider first-degree murder charges against Rosfeld, though the charge of criminal homicide opens the door for a possible conviction on lesser charges—including involuntary manslaughter. Rosfeld surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning and was released after posting $250,000 bail.