An Upper Pottsgrove police officer has been charged with voluntary manslaughter after fatally shooting a 22-year-old college student who had walked to the wrong house late at night while waiting for friends. Sean Farrell, 58, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, following an investigation into the August 23, 2026, shooting.
Details of the Upper Pottsgrove Police Shooting
Sean Farrell was the first officer to arrive at the scene after a resident called 911 to report someone trying to break into a back door. Body-worn camera footage shows Farrell walking down the driveway with his drawn firearm and using its light to illuminate the area.
The officer discovered 22-year-old Glenwood Earl Pysher IV on the home’s patio near the back door. Prosecutor Steele stated that Farrell yelled orders for the victim to show his hands, raise them, and drop to the ground. Video footage shows Pysher raising his hands and walking toward the officer while Farrell shouted multiple commands to drop to the ground. Before finishing a final warning, Farrell fired two shots, striking Pysher twice in the chest from a distance of 17 to 20 feet.
Prosecutor Findings and Less-Than-Lethal Options
Investigators from the Montgomery County Detective Bureau reviewed body camera footage and determined that the use of deadly force was unjustified. According to District Attorney Kevin Steele, Farrell maintained a safe distance behind a car while Pysher had his hands in the air and possessed no weapon.
Farrell had less-than-lethal options on his utility belt that he did not employ, including a taser,” Steele stated in the release. Because Pysher posed no active threat and the officer had alternative options available, prosecutors filed a charge of voluntary manslaughter against the 58-year-old officer.
Victim’s Movements Prior to the Incident
According to the district attorney’s office, Pysher had spent the evening visiting several local bars to celebrate a friend’s 21st birthday. A designated driver transported the group to the birthday recipient’s home at approximately 11 p.m. About 30 minutes later, Pysher left on foot to walk half a mile to another friend’s residence.
Pysher ultimately arrived at the wrong address. Ken Fulginiti, an attorney representing the victim’s family, stated that the student’s father believed his son tried to open a doorknob at what he mistakenly thought was his destination, accidentally startling the resident inside.
“The family is grateful for the work of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, and they are looking forward to justice in this horribly tragic, preventable and reckless conduct that took the life of their son,” Fulginiti said in a statement.
Legal Status and Court Dates
Following his surrender on Tuesday, Farrell was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Kathleen Rebar, who set his bail at $75,000. As a condition of his release, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office noted that Farrell must surrender all weapons to the Pennsylvania State Police. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2026.
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