DA Krasner blames police misconduct for acquittal of suspect in officer's killing

Key points

• Krasner said Lewis was acquitted in 2020 for the 2019 killing of Christopher Williams because a judge found police misconduct.
• The misconduct included false paperwork by detectives and fabricated testimony by former officer Naeem Crawley, who was dating Lewis's sister.
• Crawley falsely claimed a person named 'Spice' killed the victim, a claim he later admitted was a lie to a lawyer.
• Lewis is now facing over 70 charges for the fatal shooting of Officer Shane Seiber and the wounding of another officer.
• Krasner vowed to ensure the current murder case against Lewis does not contain similar investigative errors.

Background

Eric Lewis, a former Philadelphia Water Department employee, was previously charged in a 2021 assault case that never went to trial due to a witness's death. In September 2026, a federal judge referred Krasner to the DOJ for alleged obstruction in a separate case, though Krasner disputed the findings. The current incident follows the October 2026 shooting where Lewis killed Officer Seiber and wounded his partner.

How outlets are covering it

NBC10 and WBAL-TV report that Krasner blames the 2019 acquittal on 'criminal' misconduct by detectives and former officer Naeem Crawley. FOX 29 focuses on the community response to Seiber's death, highlighting fundraisers in Bensalem. While NBC10 emphasizes the procedural failures that freed Lewis, FOX 29 highlights the local impact on Seiber's family and the stable condition of the wounded officer. All sources agree Lewis faces severe charges for the recent shooting.

Why it matters

The acquittal of a suspect in a prior murder case due to police misconduct raises concerns about the integrity of the current prosecution. Krasner's admission that Lewis 'should not have been out' suggests potential systemic issues in the Philadelphia Police Department's investigative processes that may impact the upcoming trial.

What to watch

Lewis is due in court on October 26 for the shooting of Officer Seiber. The Philadelphia Police Department is reviewing the records of former officer Naeem Crawley, who was fired in September 2025 but is fighting to regain his job. Another fundraiser is planned for Sunday to support the families of the affected officers.