HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania prosecutor says no charges will be filed against a police officer who fatally shot a man who authorities say was holding a knife to his mother’s throat.
Dauphin County District Attorney Edward Marsico Jr. said Monday that the Aug. 7 shooting of 20-year-old Earl Pinckney by a Harrisburg officer was justified to protect the woman’s life.
Investigators released a 911 recording in which Pinckney’s sister reports he is holding a knife and threatening to kill their mother. Authorities say he was shot after refusing to drop the weapon.
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Pinckney’s mother later disputed that account, saying her son didn’t have a knife. But prosecutors said she earlier told police that he had a weapon.
Marsico said Pinckney had mental health issues and authorities must do a better job helping family members in such situations.
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