Eric Lewis, aged 35, is currently facing multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. The charges stem from an ambush on Philadelphia police, resulting in the death of Officer Shane Seiber and injuries to his partner. Lewis is also charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and related offenses.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner revealed that Lewis had been acquitted in a 2019 murder case due to police misconduct. Krasner criticized the initial investigation, stating that it was flawed and included some conduct by law enforcement that was potentially criminal. A video statement by Krasner detailed these issues, highlighting errors in the investigation that impacted the trial’s outcome.
Why this man was out of custody? The answer is this, this man is out of custody because a balanced, good and fair judge did what he had to do because two absolutely excellent prosecutors did everything humanly possible with a case and an investigation that was so deeply flawed. It was not just full of errors and mistakes, very serious ones, But some of the conduct involving one police officer… And one detective is arguably criminal. Yes, I said criminal,
Charges against Lewis include 76 counts, covering several serious offenses. The investigation revealed an officer involved in Lewis’ prior case, who manipulated the previous trial by inventing a non-existent suspect named ‘Spice’. This fabrication was intended to mislead the investigation and testimony.
Krasner’s statement was direct in condemning these actions as obstruction of justice. He described the conduct as outrageous and tragic. Consequently, one police officer has been terminated and another disciplined. Specific details about these actions were not disclosed further.
In response, the Philadelphia Police Department emphasized the importance of standing with the families of those affected and highlighted the need for accountability.
Lewis’ criminal history includes convictions for theft in 2012 and gun-related offenses in 2013, leading to probation sentences. Another guilty plea for disorderly conduct was made in 2018.
Officer Shane Seiber, the fallen officer, served the Philadelphia Police Department for a decade. He was a 40-year-old father of two and an Air Force veteran. Seiber is survived by his wife and children, aged 7 and 3.
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