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Michael Carpenter

Case from Philadelphia, PA dated Feb 27, 1978

Victim Details

Michael Carpenter

Male

Philadelphia

PA

1978-02-27

19

Michael

Carpenter

06/29/2026

Case Description

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In the winter of 1978, a traffic stop in Philadelphia turned fatal for 19-year-old Michael Carpenter. On the evening of February 27th, the African American teenager was pulled over by Officer Marcus Giardino. The stop escalated, and Carpenter, who was unarmed, was shot in the back as he attempted to run from the officer.

The shooting quickly drew attention and became a significant event in the city's history, highlighting issues of police conduct. Officer Giardino was subsequently arreste ...
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Links to Additional Sources (4)

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  • https://www.inquirer.com: Black and Blue: 190 years of police brutality against Black people in Philadelphia
  • Newspapers.com: City Charter Campaign, Michael Carpenter, Police Brutality, Inquirer, Feb. 28, 1978, p. 29.
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    Forum Posts (1)

    Does anyone else find themselves amazed by the fact that, even after all these years, Michael Carpen... ...Read More
    03/13/2023
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