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Pennsylvania Man Held Without Bail in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot Targeting Ex and Two Others

Prosecutors say a tip from the man he tried to recruit led to recorded evidence that stopped the scheme.

Overview

  • Eric Berkowitz, 41, of Upper Dublin Township, was charged with criminal solicitation for murder, attempted murder and related offenses and is being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
  • Authorities say Berkowitz offered Steven Luker $5,000 to kill his former partner and two men she dated and supplied a MAC-11 firearm and a burner phone.
  • Investigators worked with Luker to record a conversation in which Berkowitz confirmed the plan and said he would "take care of the girl" himself.
  • Berkowitz was arrested after entering an Uber allegedly bound for his ex-girlfriend’s New York address and was found with a loaded firearm with 23 rounds, cocaine and cash.
  • Records show a New York court issued a Feb. 3 temporary protection order labeling him an extreme risk and barring firearm possession, and a preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 20 with the targets not publicly identified.