A Philadelphia judge has handed down a prison sentence of at least 3½ years to Paul Burkert, a 38-year-old man from Reading, in connection with a shooting death that occurred outside Pat’s King of Steaks, a well-known Philadelphia cheesesteak shop, nearly two years ago. Burkert pleaded guilty earlier this year to voluntary manslaughter and a firearms charge in the July 2021 incident that resulted in the death of 22-year-old David Padro Jr. Another individual involved in the altercation, Jamie Frick, received probation after pleading guilty to lesser charges.
Paul Burkert received a sentence of 3½ to 10 years on the firearms charge and three to six years on the voluntary manslaughter count. The judge imposed the sentence on Wednesday, highlighting the tragic outcome that unfolded as a result of Burkert’s actions. Jamie Frick, who was involved in a fight preceding the shooting, received probation after pleading guilty to simple assault and reckless endangerment charges.
The fatal altercation, captured on video, began when David Padro Jr. pulled into a parking spot outside Pat’s King of Steaks and accidentally bumped Burkert’s van with his car door. Initial reports mistakenly suggested that the fight stemmed from a football rivalry. During the ensuing altercation, Jamie Frick struck Padro in the head, and Paul Burkert drew a gun and shot him. The suspects then fled the scene in the van. Burkert later surrendered to police near Independence Mall, while Frick was apprehended several days later.
Both Burkert and Frick expressed remorse and offered apologies to the victim’s family during the sentencing hearing. Burkert claimed that he fired the fatal shot because Padro had put him in a headlock, causing him to struggle for breath. However, Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Ehrlich reminded Burkert that his decision to possess an illegal firearm escalated a fight into a tragedy. Ehrlich stated that the incident should never have occurred and expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.
David Padro Sr., the father of the deceased, addressed Burkert directly, expressing his wish that Burkert had reconsidered his actions. The emotional impact of the loss was evident as the grieving father shared his thoughts on the needless loss of his son’s life.
The sentencing of Paul Burkert for the shooting death outside Pat’s King of Steaks serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences that can result from heated confrontations. The judge’s decision to impose a prison sentence underscores the severity of the incident and the importance of responsible behavior. The victim’s family continues to grapple with the loss of their loved one, highlighting the lasting impact of this senseless act of violence.
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