DA: Off-duty Philadelphia officer accused of murder after water-fight dispute turns deadly

Pa. officer accused of murder in off-duty shooting

PHILADELPHIA — Prosecutors say an off-duty Philadelphia police officer has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a man during an apparent dispute over a neighborhood water fight.

Authorities say 26-year-old Rudolph Gary shot and killed 22-year-old Howard Williams in an altercation that witnesses say started when children and adults tried to beat the heat by spraying each other with water. Investigators say two others were wounded in the Sunday evening shooting.

Prosecutors say Gary, an officer since November 2008, was charged Monday with murder, aggravated assault and simple assault. Police say he has been suspended with intent to dismiss.

Gary remained in custody. A listed number for him could not be found and it was unclear whether he has an attorney.