Eric Berkowitz, 41, of Dresher in Upper Dublin Township, is charged with three counts of Criminal Solicitation for Murder, three counts of Attempted Murder, three counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Person Not to Possess a Firearm, according to the DA’s Office.
Upper Dublin resident Steven Luker told police on Tuesday, Feb. 10, that Berkowitz had offered him $5,000 to kill three people in New York, authorities said. The intended targets were Berkowitz’s former girlfriend and two men she had dated after their seven-year relationship ended, the release states.
According to investigators, Berkowitz provided Luker with a Mac 11 firearm and a “burner” cellphone for communication, and planned for them to drive to New York on Wednesday, Feb. 11, to carry out the killings.
Detectives worked with Luker to record a conversation with Berkowitz, during which he confirmed the plan and said he would “take care of the girl himself,” officials said.
Berkowitz was arrested after officers saw him leaving his home and getting into an Uber vehicle, police said. The Uber was stopped, and he was taken into custody.
At the time of his arrest, Berkowitz was carrying a duffel bag containing a black Masterpiece Arms Grim Reaper firearm with a loaded magazine holding 23 rounds of 9mm ammunition, cocaine, and a large amount of cash, authorities said. The Uber driver told police the destination was Endicott, New York — the address of Berkowitz’s former girlfriend, according to the release.
“I’d like to commend Mr. Luker for immediately contacting police after he was approached by the defendant to participate in this murder scheme,” Steele said. “He ultimately saved the lives of three innocent people.”
Court records show Berkowitz was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christopher J. Cierski, who declined to set bail, resulting in Berkowitz being remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, before Magisterial District Judge Doug Lavenberg.
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