First-Degree Murder Verdict for Admitted Philadelphia Cop Killer
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With less than 2½ hours of deliberations, a Philadelphia jury has returned a first-degree murder verdict in the trial of John Lewis, charged in the 2007 murder of a Philadelphia police officer.
Lewis (above) pleaded guilty last week to killing officer Chuck Cassidy in October of 2007, but the jury was told decide whether it was first- or second-degree murder.
The jury began its deliberations about 1:30pm, at one point asking for another viewing of videotape evidence. Shortly before 4pm, the jury reported to the judge that it had made a decision. That decision was first-degree murder, making Lewis eligible for the death penalty.
