Nov 21, 2009 3:08 pm US/Eastern
Convicted Cop Killer To Learn Fate Next Week
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Officer Cassidy's wife, Judy (pictured left), took the stand Wednesday, in the murder trial of the man who admitted to killing her husband.
CBS
Should John "Jordan" Lewis, the 23 year old North Philadelphia man convicted of killing Philadelphia police officer Chuck Cassidy, be put to death?
That is the question being debated by a jury at the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia.
Late Thursday, the jury found Lewis guilty of first degree murder. Lewis shot and killed Cassidy October 31, 2007 when the officer unknowingly interrupted an armed robbery at a North Philadelphia Dunkin' Donuts.
Under Pennsylvania law, Lewis' conviction comes with either a sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors are arguing for death, while defense attorneys say Lewis' character demonstrates his life should be spared.
Several members of Officer Cassidy's family—including his wife and oldest daughter—took the stand Friday to offer victim impact statements on behalf of the prosecution.
"This should never have happened," said Judy Cassidy, Officer Cassidy's wife as she looked directly at Lewis. "It was senseless.
"It's not easy when you lose your rock. Chuck is the one who could help me with just about anything," she said. "The kids and I left the hospital on November 1 [the day Cassidy was removed from life support], and we never came home either.
"For Chuck's birthday, the kids and I go to his grave. It's so not fair to them."
Several members of the jury and nearly all of Officer Cassidy's family cried as Mrs. Cassidy read her statement. She says the family rarely finds cause to celebrate anything. Even holidays like Christmas, once a family favorite, go without decoration.
"Chuck's heart was donated," she said. "We have not met the man who received it. How do you ask your kids if they want to do that?"
Lewis' family members also painted a picture of a family torn apart. His mother, taking the stand after Judy, apologized to the Cassidy family.
"I'm sorry. I truly am that the Cassidy children and his wife have to go through what you're going through," said Lynn Dyches.
Outside the courtroom, Lewis' grandmother made a last minute appeal.
"To take a life is not going to bring one back," said Vernetha Glover. "All you got to do is search your heart—I don't know what made him do it."
After three emotional hours, the jury was sent home for the weekend. Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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