Eric Lewis, who was acquitted of murder in 2019 in a case marred by allegations of police misconduct, is now facing serious charges. Authorities believe he fatally shot Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber and injured his partner in what appeared to be an ambush.
Lewis, 35, is looking at multiple charges that include murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, ten counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and several related offenses.
In a video statement released on Tuesday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner commented on Lewis’s acquittal, attributing it to serious flaws in the investigation conducted by the police. “This man was released because a fair judge had to take into account the struggles faced during the trial. The prosecutors did their best, but the case had numerous, significant errors. One police officer’s conduct was, well… arguably criminal,” Krasner stated.
Krasner went on to say that the police officer involved had a personal relationship with Lewis’s sister and allegedly tried to undermine Lewis’s testimony by fabricating a false story.
According to Krasner, one officer in Lewis’s previous murder case concocted a tale involving an anonymous tip that pointed to an individual named “Spice” as the actual killer. However, he asserted that no such person exists. “This situation is appalling. Providing false information to law enforcement is not just an error; it’s obstruction of justice. It’s beyond outrageous,” Krasner remarked.
He explained that the judge had informed the police internal affairs about this misconduct. “We need to understand what’s really happening here,” Krasner added. While one officer was dismissed from the force and another faced disciplinary action, details about further consequences remain unclear.
The Philadelphia Police Department commented on the situation, saying that blaming others while families mourn does not contribute to advancing accountability or provide support to those affected. Their statement emphasized that true leadership involves standing with families during such times instead of passing blame.
Court records indicate that Lewis, who works for the Philadelphia Water Department, has had a criminal history since at least 2012. His legal troubles began with a conviction for theft and receiving stolen property. In the following years, he faced charges for gun-related offenses, simple assault, and disorderly conduct, all resulting in probation.
Officer Shane Seiber, aged 40, was a dedicated member of the police force and a father. He served ten years with the Philadelphia Police Department and leaves behind a wife and two young children, a son aged seven and a daughter aged three.
