Two Men Plead Guilty to Killing Philadelphia SWAT Officer During 2020 Arrest Attempt

Two Philadelphia men, Hassan Elliott, 26, and Khalif Sears, 23, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to murder and racketeering charges for their roles in the March 2020 shooting death of SWAT Cpl. James O’Connor IV.

The incident occurred when police attempted to arrest Elliott on a 2019 murder warrant. As officers ascended an interior stairwell at Elliott’s apartment, he fired a dozen shots through a wall, striking O’Connor in the neck and arm, according to authorities.

Gang-Related Violence and Racketeering Charges

Elliott and Sears were part of a gang involved in a string of violent crimes, including 12 shootings and three homicides, as part of their efforts to control drug sales in Philadelphia’s Frankford section. Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of their crimes in their plea agreement.

Sears, who was in the apartment during the shooting, was charged as a co-conspirator. Two additional individuals were also arrested at the scene.

Recommended Sentences and Legal Representation

Under the plea deal, prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of 55 to 75 years for Elliott and 35 to 50 years for Sears. Both men are scheduled for sentencing this spring.

Elliott’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Sears’ lawyer declined to provide a statement.

Impact on the O’Connor Family

Cpl. O’Connor, a 46-year-old SWAT officer and father of two, left behind a grieving family. His widow, Terri O’Connor, expressed the profound impact of his death. “It’s just unfair, and it’s ruined our lives,” she told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

O’Connor’s son was also a Philadelphia police officer at the time of the shooting, making the tragedy even more personal for the family.

Legacy of Service

Cpl. James O’Connor IV served the Philadelphia Police Department with distinction. His death marked a painful chapter in the city’s ongoing battle against gang violence and illegal drug operations.