PHILADELPHIA, PA – Three individuals from New Jersey face multiple charges for their alleged involvement in the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and attempted murder of Officer Raul Ortiz at the Philadelphia International Airport on October 12.
Alexander Batista-Polanco and Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez of Camden, N.J., have been charged with a long list of offenses including Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Robbery. A third alleged co-conspirator, Hendrick Peña-Fernandez of Pennsauken, N.J., will be similarly charged upon his formal arrest in Philadelphia County, expected by the end of the week.
All defendants are being held without bail, in line with Philadelphia County’s policy for those charged with Murder.
Batista-Polanco also faces an open Burglary case in Scranton, Pa.
District Attorney Larry Krasner expressed gratitude for the cooperative efforts between law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and federal authorities.
He also called attention to the absence of surveillance footage of the incident and urged government leaders to provide modern tools for law enforcement.
Krasner emphasized the need for surveillance technology in areas like airport parking garages to improve safety and aid in investigations. He stated that residents, visitors, and law enforcement officers deserve better preventive measures in place.