Former Philadelphia police officer Eric Ruch found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in fatal shooting of Dennis Plowden
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former Philadelphia police officer has been found guilty on charges relating to a 2017 fatal shooting. A jury found Eric Ruch guilty of voluntary manslaughter and possession of an instrument of crime in the murder of Dennis Plowden.
The verdict was delivered Wednesday afternoon. The jury deliberated for a little more than two days, reaching their decision shortly before 3 p.m. When the verdict was read, Ruch openly cried.
The shooting took place after Plowden was involved in a car crash in East Germantown, following a brief police chase.
It's alleged Plowden had been running from officers who believed the vehicle he was driving had some possible connection to another unsolved homicide.
Plowden was not armed when he was shot.
Testimony from fellow officers revealed they believed there to be an element of danger and that Ruch's reaction of firing once through Plowden's hand -- with the bullet hitting him in the head -- could have some justification.
The jury did not agree with that testimony.
Ruch did face the possibility of conviction for third-degree murder, but the jury found for the lesser count of voluntary manslaughter.
The Pennsylvania crimes code describes it as "a person who kills an individual without lawful justification commits voluntary manslaughter if at the time of the killing he is acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation."
This was the first time in at least 40 years that an on-duty police officer was on trial for murder.
The ex-officer faces the possibility of at least three years in jail.
His bail was revoked immediately after the conviction.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17.
Plowden's family did not want to speak on Wednesday.
Ruch's defense attorney, David Mischak, released a statement Wednesday night saying, "Ever since my client was dismissed from the police department and formally indicted of charges including murder, the prosecution has vigorously pursued a murder conviction. The verdict reflects that the jury rejected that theory and never was this a case of murder. My client will keep all options open moving forward."
The NAACP issued a statement saying, "The verdict in the shooting death of Dennis Plowden reminds us that we must allow the justice system to go through its process. Lives are forever changed when spontaneous reactions take place. In this case, Eric Ruch Jr. reacted without regard for what the consequence would be for Dennis Plowden, a man who was already dazed and sitting on the ground when he raised his hand and was shot dead. Justice was served but the story is too common and we must keep holding those accountable who have the power to make decisions that affect whether a person lives or dies."
