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Since Scranton Patrolman John Wilding sustained fatal injuries in a fall while chasing the armed robbery suspects, the three 17-year-olds could also face charges in his death, up to felony murder, according to legal experts.

(screen shot/WNEP)

It is already very serious for three teens who were suspects in a Scranton armed robbery Saturday night. But when an officer's foot pursuit of the suspects led to his death in a fall, things could get a whole lot more serious, still.

The Citizens Voice newspaper reports that the three 17-year-olds -- Tanner Curtis and Nasiir Sheldon Jones of Scranton and Isiah Malik Edwards, whose address is listed as homeless - could face additional charges related to the death of Scranton Patrolman John Wilding.

Already, the three are charged as adults with felony counts of robbery, gun possession and making terroristic threats following a holdup about 2:45 that morning.

But since the officer sustained fatal injuries in a fall while chasing the suspects, the three could also face charges in his death, up to felony murder, the newspaper reports, adding:

Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico said that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are forthcoming. He did not comment on whether he would be seeking second-degree murder charges, which on conviction carries a mandatory life sentence.