Former Phoenia official convicted of manslaughter rather than murder in traffic stop shooting

Philadelphia (AP) – A former Philadelphia police officer shot and killed a motorist during a traffic stop and a jury convicted of murder, he did commit voluntary murder and related charges.

Mark Dial could face up to six years in prison when he was sentenced in July. The jury was submitted Thursday afternoon after nearly three days of deliberation.

The allegations of dialing stem from a traffic stop in August 2023 involving 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry, who shot deadly while sitting in the car. Police Department camera footage showed Irizarry holding a knife near his right leg as the policeman approached, while another officer shouted “Knife” as the vehicle approached.

During the trial, Dial's lawyers objected to the claims and said another officer shouted “gun!” They also argued that the seven-inch knife Irizarry held a gun and said the dial was legal and self-defense.

According to the verdict, Dial's lawyers said they were glad he was guilty of murder, but were disappointed that he was found guilty. In addition to voluntary manslaughter, Dial was convicted for recklessness and possessed criminal tools.

Prosecutors declined to comment.

The judgment ultimately led to a series of legal twists and turns that the case has been brought, abandoned, archived and subsequently reduced allegations.