NBC Philadelphia
August 10, 2015
Three teenagers have been charged as adults with second-degree murder in the death of a Pennsylvania police officer who fell 15 feet while chasing them.
Scranton officer John Wilding was taking part in a foot chase last month when he jumped over a wall, believing the drop to be only 2 or 3 feet. He fell 15 feet onto his back and died the next day.
The teenagers were suspects in an armed robbery. They were arraigned Thursday afternoon on murder charges.
Lackawanna County Chief Public Defender Lawrence Moran is representing suspects Isiah Edwards, Nasiir Jones and Tanner Curtis, all 17. He calls Wilding’s death a tragic accident. He says he will seek to move the case to juvenile court.