Jury acquits two officers in 2013 beating

Philly.com

In a courtroom overflowing with police and supporters, a jury on Monday acquitted two former Philadelphia police officers of beating and falsely prosecuting a Fairhill man who fled on his motor scooter after a traffic stop and led them on a pursuit driving the wrong way on busy Lehigh Avenue.

Former Officers Sean McKnight and Kevin Robinson left the Common Pleas Court room in the embraces of fellow 25th District officers and amid the tears of relieved relatives.

Robinson’s wife, Amanda, who was pregnant with their now 2-year-old daughter when he and McKnight were charged in the 2013 arrest of Najee Rivera, wept as she hugged and kissed her husband.

Neither officer had any immediate comment on the acquittals. Their lawyers, Brian J. McMonagle for McKnight and Fortunato N. Perri Jr. for Robinson, left court to congratulations and cheers.

Perri said he believed the security video of the May 29, 2013, incident persuaded jurors to acquit the officers. On Monday morning, the jury of seven men and five women twice was allowed to review the video.

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