Philadelphia Man Killed in Dog Poop Dispute
Authorities say that 47-year-old Philadelphia man Franklin Manual Santana was killed by his neighbor over a dog poop dispute.
The shooting occurred on Valentine's Day.
Investigators say that the neighbor, 27-year-old Tyrirk Harris had walked his Chihuahua dog earlier that day. Harris was a recently unemployed Philadelphia school police officer. He had a permit for a gun and was wearing it in his holster at the time. The license may have been expired, according to WPVI-TV.
Santana went over at around 4 p.m. to complain about Harris' Chihuahua. Other neighbors said that the two had had disagreements over the dog in the past. Specifically, that Harris did not adequately clean up after his dog, according to Fox News.
One witness said that the conversation the two had was about Harris' dog defecating on Santana's lawn.
After Santana went over, six shots were fired. Santana was pronounced dead. Police say that there was a struggle over the weapon.
Harris was arrested and charged with murder and gun-related charges on Wednesday.
It's unclear what exact charges Harris faces. But considering the facts, Harris could be slapped with second-degree murder. Second-degree murder is usually an intentional killing that is not premeditated. Given the news reports, it does not seem that Harris planned the shooting. Instead, it appears that the shooting was more spontaneous in nature.
This only underscores the tragedy of Franklin Manual Santana's death. The man, killed over the dog poop dispute, leaves behind his wife and his six-week old baby, according to WPVI-TV.
Related Resources:
- Man arrested in killing of neighbor in dispute over dog waste (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Second Degree Murder Definition (FindLaw)
- Difference Between First and Second Degree Murder? (FindLaw Blotter)
- Millionaire Bob Ward Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder (FindLaw Blotter)