A Pennsylvania man is behind bars after authorities say he tried to hire a former friend to help him murder his ex-girlfriend — along with two men she later dated — in what prosecutors describe as a calculated and escalating plot.
Eric Berkowitz, 41, of Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania, allegedly reached out through Facebook to Steven Luker, a former school acquaintance he had not spoken to in years. According to prosecutors, Berkowitz asked to meet in person and offered Luker $5,000 to assist in killing his ex-girlfriend and two other men connected to her.
Instead of agreeing, Luker contacted law enforcement.
Investigators say Luker cooperated with authorities and recorded a meeting with Berkowitz on Tuesday. During that encounter, Berkowitz allegedly handed over a Mac-11-style firearm and a burner phone, according to reports from NBC 10. Prosecutors say Berkowitz indicated he would “take care of the girl himself” and outlined plans to meet near one of the intended targets’ homes to carry out the killings the following day.
Law enforcement intervened before any violence occurred.
On Wednesday, authorities arrested Berkowitz as he was getting into an Uber headed toward Endicott, New York — approximately 175 miles from his Pennsylvania home — where his ex-girlfriend resides. According to WFMZ, he was carrying a duffel bag containing a loaded firearm, cocaine, and cash at the time of his arrest.
Berkowitz now faces a long list of charges, including three counts of criminal solicitation to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize, and three counts of reckless endangerment, among other offenses.
During his court appearance Wednesday, Berkowitz did not speak. A Montgomery County judge ordered him held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 20.
Authorities have not publicly identified the ex-girlfriend or the two other individuals who were allegedly targeted.
