Accused Killer of Off-Duty Philadelphia Cop Chooses Non-Jury Trial
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 25-year-old Philadelphia man today waived his right to a jury trial in the murder of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer in North Philadelphia in August 2012.
Rafael Jones and a co-defendant, Chancier McFarland, were charged with the robbery and murder of off-duty police officer Moses Walker.
Today, Jones waived his right to a jury trial, so the case will be decided by Judge Jeffrey Minehart. And, as a result of the defendant's decision, prosecutors have taken the death penalty off the table.
McFarland pleaded guilty earlier to third-degree murder as part of a plea deal and cooperation agreement. He is expected to testify later.
Officer Moses had just completed his overnight shift at the 22nd police district was walking to public transportation when he was robbed and shot to death.