(CNN) Three police officers from Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, were fired Thursday, two days after being charged in connection with the shooting death of 8-year-old Fanta Bility while she exited a high school football game on August 27, solicitor Sean Kilkenny confirmed to CNN.
The Sharon Hill Borough Council voted 6-1 Thursday night to fire the three officers, Kilkenny said.
Officers Devon Smith, Sean Dolan and Brian Devaney each were charged Tuesday with one count of voluntary manslaughter, one count of involuntary manslaughter and 10 counts of reckless endangerment, according to the criminal complaints.
Manslaughter charges were "appropriate" in this case rather than murder in the third degree because there was no evidence of malice, said a news release from Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer's office. Bail was set at $500,000, unsecured, for each defendant and a preliminary hearing set for January 27 in state court.
CNN has reached out to all three officers and their attorneys for comment, as well as the Sharon Hill Police Department.
DocHolidayiN on January 21st, 2022 at 13:25 UTC »
Cops weren't in pistol range. Popped off 25 rounds between them. Violated several rules of gun safety. Not having a target and not knowing what's behing the target. These guys are state level. Not local good ole boys. Lack of training or policy can't be used as an excuse because state level gets way better training.
8to24 on January 21st, 2022 at 12:05 UTC »
"The officers' shots struck four people as they were leaving, including Fanta, whose injuries were fatal, according to the complaints. Shots from the officers also struck a car driven by two girls going to the football game that had no involvement in the original altercation between Ford and Strand, according to the complaints."
Life isn't a Michael Bay movie. One cannot just run through a crowded parking lot opening fire while jumping over barricades. Seems like Police made what was already a terrible situation worse.
I understand not wanting to let the "bad guys" get away but at what point does protecting all the "good" people become a higher priority? Investigative work like interviewing witnesses, looking at security footage, collecting finger prints, etc can help catch the bad guys later.
MhuzLord on January 21st, 2022 at 11:14 UTC »
In case you're wondering.