A fugitive wanted for allegedly gunning down the man at the center of a controversial police brutality case has been charged in the killing, the victim's family confirms to NBC10.
Khalil Henderson, 22, was arrested Friday and charged with murder, illegal possession of a firearm and related charges in the death of Najee Rivera, court records show.
Dina Scannapieco, Rivera's girlfriend, learned about the arrest from homicide detectives Monday. The couple would've celebrated their fifth anniversary today, she said.
"I was pretty sad earlier until I heard the news," she said. "Now I am so happy that I can finally let him rest in peace and justice will be served."
Rivera, 23, was shot during a street fight at C and Somerset streets in Philadelphia's Kensington section in December. He died 15 days later at Temple University Hospital.
Rivera died a few months before two Philadelphia police officers were put on trial for allegedly assaulting him during a May 2013 traffic stop. The run-in was caught on surveillance video uncovered by Scannapieco.
The officers, Sean McKnight and Kevin Robinson, said they used force to subdue Rivera. A jury acquitted them earlier this month.
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Henderson is due in court for a preliminary hearing on May 11. Attorney information for him was not immediately available.
