DA, backed by Soros, Says Police Misconduct "Criminal" Undermined Officer Filie's Killer's Prior Murder Case

Eric Lewis Acquitted of 2019 Murder Charge After DA Larry Krasner Says Police Misconduct Deeply Weakened the Earlier Case

DA says police misconduct sank 2019 homicide case against suspect in Philadelphia officer's slaying.

In a video statement, the district attorney says an officer's false allegations and misconduct undermined a previous prosecution. One officer was fired and another was disciplined, he says (Credit: Credit: Philadelphia District Attorney's Office).

Eric Lewis, the man accused of killing a Philadelphia police officer in an ambush, was acquitted of murder in 2019 in a case that the district attorney said was undermined by police misconduct.

Lewis, 35, is accused of fatally shooting Philadelphia police officer Shane Sieber and injuring his partner. He now faces a range of charges, including murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, 10 counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and other related offenses. he

In a video statement Tuesday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Lewis was acquitted in a previous murder case and blamed police misconduct.

"Why was this guy out of custody? The answer is, this guy is out of custody because a balanced, good, fair judge did what he had to do, because two perfectly fine prosecutors did everything humanly possible with a case and an investigation that was so flawed. It was just full of mistakes and errors, not very serious mistakes, but some of the police department engaged in criminal behavior ... Yes, I said criminal," Krasner said.

Suspect in deadly Philadelphia police ambush faces 76 charges, ordered held without bail

Eric Lewis faces 76 charges including murder, attempted murder, murder of a law enforcement officer and 10 counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. (Philadelphia Police Department)

Krasner said the police officer involved in the case had a relationship with the accused's sister and tried to "torpedo" her testimony "with outright lies."

Krasner said an officer in a previous case of Lewis' murder fabricated a story that he had received an anonymous tip naming a man named "Spice" as the real killer. Krasner said there is no such person.

"This is beyond outrageous. This is giving false information to law enforcement. That's not the only thing he did to get out of this case. It's obstruction of justice. And frankly, it's, well, it's outrageous, it's disgusting, and it's sad."

He said the judge reported the incident to police internal affairs, then said, "We need to clarify what's going on here." Krasner said one police officer was fired and one was disciplined, but said he had no further information.

The slain officer has been identified as Shane Sieber, 40, a father of two and an Air Force veteran who spent 10 years with the Philadelphia Police Department. (Philadelphia Police Department)

"True leadership does not seek to determine fault at a moment like this. He stands by the families. And when the time comes, he holds himself as carefully as he demands of others."

Lewis, an employee of the Philadelphia Water Authority, has a criminal record dating back to 2012, court records show.

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A 2012 conviction for theft and receiving stolen property marked the beginning of Lewis' criminal record. The following year, he was convicted of weapons offenses and simple assault and placed on probation.

In 2018, Lewis pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct involving a fight and was again sentenced to probation.

Sieber, 40, was an Air Force veteran and father of two who served 10 years with the Philadelphia Police Department. He leaves behind his wife, a 7-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter.

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