The second suspect accused in the murder of an off-duty Philadelphia Police Officer is now officially charged with murder.
NBC10 learned that murder charges were approved for Chancier McFarland around 11 a.m. Tuesday morning.
"I'm pleased the charges were approved," said Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "I'm told it's murder, robbery, conspiracy and violation of the uniform firearms act."
After surrendering to federal agents in Alabama, McFarland, 19, was flown back to Philadelphia on Monday -- the same day Officer Moses Walker Jr. was buried.
Investigators say McFarland and Rafael Jones, 23, are responsible for the Aug. 18 robbery that left Walker dead.
Walker, a 22nd District police officer, was shot three times with a 40-caliber handgun while walking to a bus stop at 20th and Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philly after work. Walker was heading home in street clothes after his shift when police say Jones and McFarland approached him and announced a robbery.
Police say Walker drew his weapon before he was shot three times.
Jones was charged last week after lengthy interviews with police. McFarland turned himself in to the FBI in Montgomery, Ala., on Sunday.
Police sources tell NBC10 McFarland and Jones are accusing each other of being the gunman. Police believe Jones was the one who actually fired the weapon however.
Commissioner Ramsey says McFarland's surrender and the official charges against him have brought relief to Walker's family.
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"We would have eventually tracked him down," said Commissioner Ramsey. "So it's better all the way around and it's bringing some measure of closure to the family."
The District Attorney previously charged McFarland for two robberies from 2011 which is what authorities were able to hold him on while getting him back to Philadelphia. McFarland has also been arrested twice in the past on marijuana charges.
"Hopefully once this goes to trial the individual is convicted and put away for a very long period of time," said Commissioner Ramsey. "In my opinion, the rest of his life."
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