The trial began Tuesday for two men charged in the shooting death of Philadelphia Police Sgt. Richard Mendez. He was killed while investigating a car break-in at Philadelphia International Airport last year. His partner, Officer Raul Ortiz was injured.
Dozens of officers filled the third-floor courtroom at the Criminal Justice Center to support Mendez’s family. The 50-year-old sergeant was shot on Oct. 12, 2023, inside the airport’s parking garage.
“This is a moment we wish we weren’t here for, but we are,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who attended part of the trial…