Inside This Report

• Glenwood “Bubba” Pysher IV was unarmed and reportedly had his hands raised when shot.
• Prosecutors say Cpl. Sean Farrell used deadly force despite having less-lethal options.
• Body-camera footage allegedly contradicts Farrell’s claim that Pysher charged at him.

By Samuel López | USA Herald

A wrong address, a frightened homeowner and an encounter lasting only moments ended with an unarmed 22-year-old college student dead—and a Pennsylvania police corporal facing a felony homicide charge.

Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. Sean Farrell, 58, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the Aug. 23 shooting death of Glenwood Earl Pysher IV, known to family and friends as “Bubba.”

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the charge Tuesday after investigators reviewed Farrell’s body-camera footage and concluded that the shooting was not legally justified.

“This is not a legal use of deadly force,” Steele said.

According to the criminal allegations reported by CBS News, Pysher had been drinking with friends before deciding to walk to another friend’s home. He mistakenly arrived at the wrong house and apparently attempted to enter, prompting the homeowners to call 911 and report a possible break-in.

Pysher reportedly sent his friends a photograph of the house. After realizing he was at the wrong address, they asked him to share his location so they could retrieve him.

Farrell arrived before they did.

Body Camera Becomes Central Evidence

The officer reportedly found Pysher on a rear patio and approached with his handgun drawn. Farrell ordered him to show his hands and get on the ground.

Investigators say the footage shows Pysher raising his hands and walking toward Farrell. After issuing additional commands, Farrell allegedly shouted, “Stop or I’ll—” and fired before completing the sentence.

Two bullets struck Pysher in the chest. He was approximately 17 to 20 feet away, unarmed and approaching with his hands raised, prosecutors said.

Farrell later told another officer that Pysher had charged him while screaming and refusing to get down. Steele said the video does not support that account.

“The young man has his hands up. He does not have a weapon. He did not charge or act aggressively,” Steele said.

Prosecutors further allege that Farrell was positioned behind a vehicle, remained a safe distance from Pysher and did not consider the Taser or baton available on his utility belt before resorting to lethal force.

The Legal Question at the Heart of the Case

Under Pennsylvania’s use-of-force statute, an officer may use deadly force when he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury—or under narrowly defined circumstances involving a dangerous fleeing suspect.

The voluntary manslaughter charge indicates prosecutors may contend Farrell intentionally or knowingly killed Pysher under an unreasonable belief that deadly force was justified. Under Pennsylvania law, voluntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony.

Pysher was preparing to begin classes at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey, where he reportedly hoped to become a history teacher and baseball coach. His funeral was held Monday.

Family attorney Ken Fulginiti described the circumstances as an ordinary mistake that inexplicably ended with the death of a son, brother and grandson. The family, he said, is determined to see justice served.

Farrell surrendered to Montgomery County detectives and was released on $75,000 bail, subject to surrendering his weapons. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10.

The charge remains an allegation. Farrell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

About the Author

Samuel López is a Senior Legal Analyst, investigative journalist and legal researcher with more than two decades of experience examining litigation, evidentiary disputes and complex legal controversies. His background analyzing court records, statutory standards and disputed factual narratives equips him to report with authority on police accountability, use-of-force prosecutions and the legal questions surrounding officer-involved shootings.

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