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Prosecutor Cites Failure to Use Non-Lethal Options
According to District Attorney Steele, the investigation determined that the use of deadly force was not legally justified. Prosecutors noted that at the time of the shooting, the officer was positioned behind a vehicle at a safe distance from the victim. The evidence indicated that Pysher was unarmed and had his hands raised in the air, posing no immediate threat to the officer.
The district attorney’s office highlighted that Cpl. Farrell had access to less-than-lethal equipment on his utility belt, including a taser, which he did not attempt to use. Instead, the officer discharged his firearm twice, striking Pysher in the chest. The investigation established that the victim was between 17 and 20 feet away from the officer when the shots were fired.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
The confrontation began after a resident contacted 911 to report an individual attempting to access the back door of their home. Upon arriving at the scene, Cpl. Farrell approached the property with his service weapon drawn and illuminated by a mounted light. Body camera footage shows the officer issuing verbal commands for Pysher to show his hands and drop to the ground.
The video evidence shows Pysher raising his hands while walking toward the officer. Despite the officer’s repeated commands to stop and drop to the ground, the shooting occurred before the officer completed a final warning. Ken Fulginiti, an attorney representing the Pysher family, issued a statement expressing gratitude to the District Attorney’s office. The family stated they are seeking justice for what they described as reckless and preventable conduct that resulted in the loss of their son.
