Eddie «Junito» Irizarry Jr., a 27-year-old Puerto Rican young man, tragically lost his life on August 14, 2023, during a traffic stop when he was fatally shot by then-Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial.

On the second day, the jury trial of former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial continued to draw significant public attention and community mobilization. Outside the courthouse, a demonstration was held by the family of Eddie Irizarry and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), demanding justice for the young Puerto Rican man fatally shot by the police in August 2023.

“We have organized protests, and no matter how much time passes, Philadelphia will be here demanding justice,” said Xiomara Torres, a spokesperson for the PSL.

Protesters held signs with messages such as “Not One More,” “Justice for Eddie,” and “End Police Brutality.” Among them were family members, friends of the victim, and citizens who deeply relate to the case. One of them, Rosali Pichardo, shared her reason for attending: “I needed and wanted to be here supporting the family. It’s not fair that someone was killed who wasn’t doing anything wrong.”

Rosali’s sentiment is shared by many in the community. Irizarry’s death has left a deep wound and raised broader concerns about what many see as increasingly aggressive policing. Community members are demanding changes to law enforcement practices.

Eddie Irizarry was fatally shot on August 14, 2023, by Officer Dial during a traffic stop. Initially, the Philadelphia Police Department claimed that Irizarry had exited his vehicle with a knife and attempted to attack officers. However, body camera footage later revealed that Irizarry remained inside his vehicle and that Dial fired through the closed driver’s side window. This evidence directly contradicted the official version and led to Dial’s dismissal and subsequent criminal charges.

On Monday the 19th, the jury was selected, and during Tuesday’s session, several officers testified, including Dial’s partner, Officer Michael Morris. Morris stated that he shouted “Knife!” as they approached the vehicle and claimed the knife, which had a black handle, could have been mistaken for a firearm.

In the courtroom, Eddie Irizarry’s father, who was present during the testimony, remained composed but expressed his frustration: “They claim Eddie pulled a knife, but forensic evidence showed he never touched it. It continues to be proven that the police are lying and manipulating the case to protect an officer unnecessarily. Mark Dial made a mistake, and like anyone who makes a mistake, he must face the consequences.”

In a separate conversation with Impacto, Don Eddie—the victim’s father—broke down in tears as he recalled the last words his son shared with him before the incident:

“I’ll never forget when he said, ‘Papi, you’re very devout, take this prayer, pray to the Divine Child,’ and he gave me a scapular. He told me, ‘Take it, because I only have two haircuts left,’ jokingly. I thank God, and I hold on to the hope that justice will soon be served.”

The case has reignited a broader debate around police accountability and institutional transparency. The decision is now in the hands of a 14-member jury. Dial, who is currently free on $200,000 bail, faces a charge of third-degree murder.

Although the trial is still ongoing, the swift pace of the proceedings and the presentation of evidence and arguments have raised expectations that a verdict may be reached by the end of this week.