District Attorney Krasner Statement on Killing of Philadelphia SWAT Officer & Murder Investigations
CONTACT:
Jane Roh, District Attorney’s Office, 215–686–8711, Jane.Roh@phila.gov
PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2020) — District Attorney Larry Krasner issued the following statement on the shooting murder of Philadelphia Police Corporal James O’Connor that occurred early Friday during the execution of a homicide arrest warrant for Hassan Elliott (DOB: 8/14/1998) of Philadelphia:
“The prosecutors and staff of the District Attorney’s Office and I join the city of Philadelphia in expressing our heartbreak over the murder of Police Corporal James O’Connor while on duty.
“Corporal O’Connor was killed while serving a fugitive arrest warrant for homicide our office approved as part of an ongoing murder investigation. The District Attorney’s Office was prepared to charge Hassan Elliott for a robbery and murder that occurred in March of 2019, at a location not far from the site of today’s tragedy.
“Following a months-long investigation, our colleagues in the Philadelphia Police Department were able to determine a probable location for Elliott. Corporal O’Connor and members of the SWAT team today put their safety and lives on the line in order to bring this dangerous individual into custody.
“Elliott is currently in custody. We expect to bring charges for the March 2019 murder and additional charges following today’s incident shortly.
“This tragedy underscores the interconnectedness of our partners in law enforcement within the criminal justice system. We collaborate and rely on one another to investigate crimes, identify suspects, bring them into custody, and prosecute them in the pursuit of justice. Our deep reliance and trust in one another does not often make headlines, but it is critical to the safety of all communities.
“Our prosecutors, particularly those involved in the investigation preceding today’s incident, join the members of the Philadelphia Police Department and the residents of Philadelphia in mourning Corporal O’Connor, and in extending our deep condolences to his loved ones. The investigation into today’s incident is ongoing, and we will release information on additional charges against Elliott and other individuals involved at the appropriate time.”
###
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.
