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Michael Sherard

Case from Philadelphia, PA dated Feb 15, 1976

Victim Details

Michael Sherard

Male

Philadelphia

PA

1976-02-15

16

Michael

Sherard

06/27/2026

Case Description

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On February 15, 1976, 16-year-old Michael Sherard, an African American male, was fatally shot by Philadelphia police officer John Woodruff during a chase in the Germantown neighborhood. The incident occurred after Sherard was suspected of stealing a television. Officer Woodruff testified that he believed Sherard was reaching for a weapon when he turned during the pursuit, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm. No weapon was found on Sherard's person.

Following the shooting, Offi ...
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Links to Additional Sources (6)

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  • https://www.inquirer.com: Black and Blue: 190 years of police brutality against Black people in Philadelphia
  • Newspapers.com: Sherard Woodruff Case found 2/16/17
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    I’ve been reading up on the case of Michael Sherard, and I'm troubled by some of the details surro... ...Read More
    04/07/2023
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