December 05, 2009

Grand jury to investigate shooting by Philly cop

By Stephanie Farr
Philadelphia Daily News

PHILADELPHIA — A grand jury will investigate the shooting death of an unarmed man at the hands of an off-duty police officer on Nov. 21 in Port Richmond, District Attorney Lynne Abraham and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced yesterday.

William "Billy" Panas Jr., 21, was shot and killed by Frank Tepper, an officer from the department's Civil Affairs Unit, outside of Tepper's home about 11 p.m.

"This is not a question of whom shot whom when. That's all we know," Abraham said. "What we need to know is what happened before, during and after this incident occurred."

Police previously said Tepper, 43, had been attempting to break up a street brawl and was attacked, causing him to fire his personal weapon once, shooting Panas once in the chest.

But neighbors and witnesses said that the street fight spilled out from Tepper's own home, that it involved members of Tepper's family and that the off-duty cop was visibly intoxicated.

Panas' family and friends said he got caught up in the melee as he walked by and was shot for standing up to Tepper, who Port Richmond residents described as a neighborhood bully.

Yesterday, Panas' father, William Panas Sr., said he had "mixed emotions" about a grand jury investigation.

"I'm happy it is going to a further authority, but I also know the grand jury has exonerated officers who beat a guy before," he said, referencing a recent 14-month grand-jury investigation that exonerated several city officers of a May 5, 2008, police beating caught on tape.

"That beating will sit in the front of my mind, next to my son, during the investigation," Panas said.

Ramsey and Abraham said that a grand jury was the best way to ensure public confidence in the investigation.

"In my opinion, the only way to get at the truth - and that is what this is about is ultimately getting to the truth - is in an environment where people are compelled to tell the truth under oath," Ramsey said.

Panas said he met with Abraham Wednesday and gave her names of numerous witnesses.

He also said he has a piece of physical evidence to show that Tepper was hosting a party at his home on Elkhart Street near Edgemont that night.

"We got the invitation to the party that was at his house - in color," Panas said.