Former police officer Frank Tepper turned himself in to Police Headquarters about 9 this morning, entering through an entrance on Race Street that's closed to the public.
He walked in with his attorney Fortunato "Fred" Perri Jr.
Tepper is being charged with murder and related offenses in the shooting death of an unarmed Billy Panas Jr., 21, about 11 p.m. Nov. 21 in Port Richmond.
Perri told a crowd of journalists, who had been waiting outside Police Headquarters, that Tepper had just surrendered to homicide detectives.
Of Tepper, Perri said: "He's fully prepared to face the charges at this point. He looks forward to the day when he can have his opportunity to clear his name. . . . This unfortunate tragedy is obviously something that is weighing on his mind. . . .
"We are convinced that the evidence will be uncontradicted to show that [Officer] Tepper was being attacked and assaulted in front of his house. He reacted to the situation the best way he knew how."
Residents in the Port Richmond neighborhood have said that Tepper, then off-duty, had a party at his house that November night, and that an argument spilled outside the house on Elkhart Street near Edgemont. Some residents have said Tepper appeared intoxicated when he shot Panas Jr., who came upon the argument scene.
District Attorney Seth Williams yesterday announced that an arrest warrant was issued for Tepper on murder and related offenses. He said his decision came after reviewing the initial police Homicide Division investigation in the shooting and his own office's investigation into the case.
Perri this morning said he drove Tepper to the Police Administration Building, at 8th and Race streets. He said Tepper was dressed in casual clothes and said this "is a very emotional time for him and his family."
The Panas family yesterday said they were relieved and happy that Tepper was being arrested and charged with murder.
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