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DAO Special Investigations Unit Secures Conviction for 2017 Shooting Death of Unarmed Motorist

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 21, 2022) – Following an eight-day jury trial, Eric Ruch on Wednesday was found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter and Possession of an Instrument of Crime for his role in the shooting death of an unarmed civilian, Dennis Plowden, in 2017. The Hon. Barbara McDermott revoked Ruch’s bail after the verdict was received.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement:

“I thank the jury of Philadelphia residents for their service over these past eight days. Jury service is among the most noble and demanding forms of public service we ask of civilians. In this trial and every criminal trial, the privacy and safety of jurors are among the top priorities of the District Attorney’s Office.

“I also thank Special Investigations Unit ADAs Brian Collins and Vincent Corrigan, along with Supervisor Lyandra Retacco, for their skillful dedication on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the ideal of evenhandedly applied justice and accountability for all without exception.

“We will be able to say more about this trial upon sentencing of Mr. Ruch, which is scheduled for November 17, 2022.”

CONTACT:Jane Roh, 215-686-8711, [email protected]

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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually. Learn more about the DAO by visiting PhillyDA.org.

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