Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the death of Eddie Irizarry last month, in a serious development that marks a turn in the case. Apart from murder, Dial faces several other charges including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, as announced by District Attorney Larry Krasner during a recent press conference. Following his arrest, Dial posted 10% of the $500,000 bail set for his release.
At the Irizarry family’s request, a distressing bodycam video from the August 14 shooting was disclosed. This footage, displaying Dial exiting a police vehicle and rushing towards Irizarry’s car before firing six shots, is set to be central evidence in the forthcoming trial. Dial’s attorney, Brian McMonagle, urged the public to consider additional context, insisting that the officer perceived a direct threat before firing.
Earlier reports from the police had mentioned that Irizarry, who was initially claimed to have lunged at the police with a knife, was shot outside his car, but this was later corrected, acknowledging that he was shot inside his vehicle. The release of the video came as a result of the family’s persistence to showcase the gravity of the incident, despite the emotional toll it took on them. “I want the world to see the suffering caused to my family,” lamented Irizarry’s aunt, Zoraida Garcia.
While Dial, a five-year veteran of the force, faces suspension and potential dismissal for non-cooperation in the investigation, the case continues to unfold. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 urged the public to withhold judgment until the trial presents all evidence. The district attorney’s office maintains an ongoing criminal investigation into the matter.
