A Pennsylvania man is behind bars after authorities say a chilling plot to kill his ex-girlfriend and two other men in New York was derailed by the very person he tried to hire as a hitman. Eric Berkowitz, 41, faces multiple counts of attempted murder and criminal solicitation following his arrest on Wednesday in Montgomery County.
The investigation began Tuesday when an Upper Dublin resident, Steven Luker, walked into the local police station with a startling story. According to investigators, Berkowitz had approached Luker earlier that day, offering $5,000 to carry out a triple homicide.
Prosecutors allege that Berkowitz didn’t just provide names and addresses; he reportedly handed Luker a Mac 11 firearm and a “burner” phone to keep their communications off the grid.
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Detectives quickly set up a sting, working with Luker to record a follow-up conversation with the suspect. During that talk, Berkowitz allegedly confirmed the logistics for a trip to New York scheduled for February 11. Police say Berkowitz was specific about the meeting point—just one street over from the target’s home—and reportedly told Luker he intended to “take care of the girl himself.”
The situation reached a breaking point on Wednesday when police spotted Berkowitz leaving his home and hopping into an Uber. Officers swarmed the vehicle before it could leave the area.
Inside a duffel bag Berkowitz was carrying, police say they found a Masterpiece Arms “Grim Reaper” firearm, a magazine loaded with 23 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a stash of cocaine, and a significant amount of cash. When questioned, the Uber driver confirmed the destination was Endicott, New York—the exact town where Berkowitz’s former girlfriend lives.
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District Attorney Kevin R. Steele credited Luker’s quick thinking for preventing a tragedy, noting that his decision to come forward likely saved three lives. The intended victims included the woman Berkowitz had dated for seven years and two men she had seen since their breakup.
Berkowitz now faces a long list of felony charges, including solicitation for murder and illegal possession of a firearm. During his arraignment, Magisterial District Judge Christopher J. Cierski denied bail, meaning Berkowitz will remain at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility while awaiting his preliminary hearing on February 20. As with all criminal cases, the charges are currently allegations, and Berkowitz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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