Former-Philadelphia Officer Edsaul Mendoza Sentenced to 8-20 Years for Killing 12-Year-Old Siderio

A former Philadelphia police officer, Edsaul Mendoza, who pleaded guilty to fatally shooting 12-year-old Thomas “TJ” Siderio in 2022, was sentenced to prison on Monday. Mendoza received a sentence ranging from eight to 20 years for the killing, which occurred on March 1, 2022.

This sentencing follows Mendoza’s guilty plea in April to charges of third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime.

Prosecutor Clarke Beljean expressed disappointment with the sentence, noting that they had sought a harsher penalty of 20 to 40 years. Beljean cited evidence suggesting Mendoza attempted to evade responsibility for the shooting.

Ex-Philadelphia Officer Edsaul Mendoza Sentenced to 8-20 Years for Killing 12-Year-Old Siderio

Shortly after the incident, Mendoza searched online for flights from New York to the Dominican Republic and later searched for countries without U.S. extradition treaties, eventually looking up flights to Havana, Cuba.

Beljean described the crime as shocking and emphasized its impact not only on Siderio’s family and South Philadelphia community but also on the entire city. The incident took place while Mendoza and three other plainclothes officers were conducting surveillance in an unmarked car as part of a stolen firearm investigation.

They observed Siderio holding a handgun, and when Siderio shot at their car, Mendoza initiated a foot chase.

During the pursuit, Mendoza shot Siderio in the back after the boy had complied with his command to get on the ground. Despite Siderio discarding his weapon, Mendoza fired three shots, two of which were after the weapon was discarded. This action led to charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possession of an instrument of crime against Mendoza.

Beljean criticized the legal process, stating that Mendoza received the full benefit of the criminal justice system, which he denied to TJ Siderio by shooting him in the back. The case has highlighted significant concerns about police conduct and accountability within the Philadelphia community and beyond.