City Hall protesters demand murder charges against ex-cop
About 200 people marched on City Hall today, demanding that the District Attorney's office charge a former police officer with murder in last year's shooting of an unarmed Port Richmond man.
About 200 people marched on City Hall today, demanding that the District Attorney's office charge a former police officer with murder in last year's shooting of an unarmed Port Richmond man.
Frank Tepper was off-duty Nov. 21 when he shot and killed William "Billy" Panas Jr. during a neighborhood melee.
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey stripped Tepper of his badge Jan. 4 and suspended him for 30 days with intent to dismiss after an internal affairs investigation found the 16-year-veteran had committed "numerous violations" of Police Department procedures when he opened fire on Panas.
Panas' relatives have held a number of neighborhood protests and this was the first time they and their supporters had brought their demands to the seat of government.
As the throng chanted "Justice for Billy" and "Lock him up! Lock him up!," Panas's father, William Sr., led the protest to the west side of City Hall.
"Billy didn't deserve to die this way," said Panas Sr., dressed in a white Baltimore Colts jersey emblazoned with his son's name on the back. "That punk killed my son. It wasn't manslaughter. He shot him at point blank range."
In December, then District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham announced a grand-jury probe into the case.
Today, Panas Sr. said he was frustrated that the DA's office hadn't filed formal charges against Tepper.
"You murder someone you gotta pay the price," he said.
Panas' family and many in Port Richmond have been calling for action against Tepper since the night Tepper shot Panas during a large brawl that broke out in front of the then officer's Elkhart Street house.
Police have said Tepper tried to break up the fight and fired his gun after he was assaulted. Witnesses disputed that, saying Tepper appeared drunk and Panas never threatened him.
Today, Mayor Nutter said the investigation into the shooting was continuing
"There is nothing for me or the police department or the city government to do," Nutter said. "We're a country of laws. They're going through a grand jury process and it has to play itself out."
Panas Sr. said his last contact with the DA's office was two weeks ago.
"I can't talk about what was said now," Panas Sr. said after the rally. "But if things ain't done in the next week I'll really speak my mind."
A spokeswoman for District Attorney Seth Williams said she could not comment except to say "This is an ongoing investigation. We are actively looking at both the Panas and the Allen shootings."
Lawrence Allen, 20, was unarmed when he was shot in the back Nov. 18 2008 by off-duty police officer Chauncy Ellison. Allen was paralyzed and died of complications three months later.
Ellison was cleared by Lynne M. Abraham during the final days of her administration.
Panas Sr. said he would not quit until Tepper is charged with murder.
"If I gotta go to Washington I will. I will spend every last penny I have," Panas Sr. said. "I'll stand naked in the street with his picture on my chest if that's what it takes."
Staff writers Joseph A. Slobodzian and Patrick Kerkstra contributed to this article.
