Fanta Bility, her 12-year-old sister, were both struck. The sister survived.

After an 8-year old girl was killed during a Pennsylvania football game, three Pennsylvania police officers were charged with manslaughter.

Fanta Bilism was killed and three other people were hurt as she left the Academy Park High School Stadium on August 27th. Prosecutors concluded Tuesday that there was no doubt that the bullets were fired by the police sidearms of Devon Smith, Sean Dolan, and Brian Devaney ( pictured).

For their actions on that night, each is facing a total twelve criminal charges of reckless endangerment and manslaughter.

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Investigators report that the tragedy occurred after reports of gunfire following a football match; two shots were fired in direction of three officers who were watching the crowd.

"The police officers then discharged the service weapons in the direction the Academy Park football pitch," Jack Stollsteimer, District Attorney, stated in a statement.

Fanta and Mamasu, Fanta's 12-year-old sister, were not hit by the gunmen. However, four other people were. The sister survived.

Officials later admitted that the fatal shots were likely to have been fired by officers. The DA stated that they have concluded beyond reasonable doubt that the fatal shots were fired by officers.

Pennsylvania law states that a police officer can use deadly force only if he believes it is necessary to protect himself or another person ...", which the DA has determined is not the case.

He said that manslaughter charges are appropriate, rather than murder in third degree. This is because murder in the 3rd degree would require evidence of malice which was not present.

Later, the investigation revealed that the initial gunfire at Coates Street was caused by a verbal altercation between Angelo "AJ", 16-year old Ford, and Hasein Strand (18 years).

Both were charged with first-degree murder, even though it was later determined that neither of them fired the fatal shots.

"Relatedly," I also announced today that I had directed my office to withdraw murder accusations against A.J. Tuesday's statement by DA Stollsteimer referred to Ford and Hasein Strand as being responsible for the murder of Fanta Biility.

"While I believe that these defendants should face accountability for the events that led to Fanta Bility’s death, the grand jury investigation has shown it to be appropriate to withdraw these charges."

Stollsteimer stated that Strand also accepted responsibility for the tragedy, pleading guilty for aggravated assault and illegal possession of a firearm.

He will spend between 32 and 64 months in a state correctional institution, according to his plea. He will also remain under court supervision until 2030.

The DA stated that Ford was still being charged with serious offenses for trying to kill defendant Strand.

Stollsteimer stated, "I am fully aware that Fanta's tragic death and the trauma inflicted upon her family, the victims and the community members involved has been emotionally draining for all, including the investigators, prosecutors and prosecutors assigned."

"No one affected by this incident will ever feel the same. I hope today's announcement will allow the community to heal by revealing that the gunmen who opened fire on that night are being held responsible under our laws.

Bruce L. Castor, Fanta's family lawyer, thanked the DA and followed the evidence to the charges.

He said that his family appreciated the fact that the District Attorney kept them informed at each stage of the investigation. He promised them from the beginning that he would seek justice on Fanta's behalf, and today's charges show that he has done just that. They were right to make the right decision."

Each officer was given $500,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 27.

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Title: Three Pennsylvania Cops Charged With Shooting Death of 8-Year-Old Girl at Football Game
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/01/19/three-pennsylvania-cops-charged-with-shooting-death-of-8-year-old-fanta-bility/
Published Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:10:06 +0000

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