A Pennsylvania man is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he attempted to orchestrate a murder-for-hire plot targeting his former girlfriend and two men she dated following their breakup. The case, announced by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, centers on allegations that Eric Berkowitz, 41, of Dresher in Upper Dublin Township, planned to arrange the killings with the help of an acquaintance and intended to travel to New York to carry out the plan.
According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme was interrupted before any violence occurred, following intervention by law enforcement after a tip from the individual Eric Berkowitz allegedly recruited to commit the killings. Investigators say the suspect not only made specific arrangements but also took steps that suggested preparation to carry out the plan, including acquiring a firearm, coordinating meeting locations, and identifying the home addresses of the intended targets.
Eric Berkowitz has been charged with criminal solicitation for murder, attempted murder, and additional offenses connected to the alleged plot. He has been denied bail and is being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20. Authorities have described the case as a significant example of early intervention preventing a potentially deadly crime.
Allegations of a Planned Murder-for-Hire Scheme
The investigation began when Steven Luker, an Upper Dublin resident, contacted police to report that Eric Berkowitz had approached him with an offer to carry out multiple killings. According to the district attorney’s office, Berkowitz allegedly offered Luker $5,000 to murder Berkowitz’s ex-girlfriend and two other men she had dated after their relationship ended. All three intended targets were located in New York.
Authorities say the alleged proposal was not limited to a general request. Investigators reported that Eric Berkowitz provided Luker with what prosecutors described as tools to facilitate the crimes, including a Mac 11 firearm and a disposable, or “burner,” cellphone. The use of a secondary phone, prosecutors said, suggested an effort to avoid detection while coordinating the plan.
Law enforcement officials also said Eric Berkowitz had gathered specific address information for each of the intended victims. According to prosecutors, he intended to meet Luker near one of the targets’ homes as part of the plan. The meeting, authorities said, was scheduled for Wednesday, and Berkowitz allegedly intended to travel from Pennsylvania to New York that day.
Investigators worked with Luker after he contacted police, coordinating efforts to gather evidence. According to the district attorney’s office, authorities recorded a conversation between Luker and Eric Berkowitz in which Berkowitz allegedly confirmed details of the plan. During that conversation, prosecutors said, Berkowitz stated he would “take care of the girl himself,” referring to his former girlfriend.
Officials said the recorded discussion included confirmation of logistics, timing, and meeting locations, further supporting investigators’ belief that the plan was advancing toward execution. The two allegedly agreed to meet one street away from the home of one of the intended targets, a detail prosecutors described as consistent with surveillance or staging before an attack.
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Authorities have not publicly identified the intended victims, but they confirmed that all three individuals were connected to Berkowitz’s former relationship. Prosecutors allege the motive was linked to personal grievances following the breakup and subsequent relationships involving his ex-girlfriend.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement moved quickly after gathering evidence from Luker and the recorded conversation. Investigators monitored Berkowitz’s movements and prepared to intervene before the alleged plan could proceed. Police arrested Berkowitz while he was inside an Uber shortly after leaving his home, according to the district attorney’s office. Authorities said he was en route to New York, and the destination listed for the ride matched the address of his ex-girlfriend.
When officers detained him, prosecutors said Berkowitz was carrying a duffel bag containing a firearm identified as a black Masterpiece Arms Grim Reaper weapon. Authorities reported that the firearm had a loaded magazine. Investigators also recovered 23 rounds of 9mm ammunition from his possession.
In addition to the weapon and ammunition, police said Berkowitz was found with cocaine and a large amount of cash. Authorities did not specify the exact amount of money recovered but indicated that it was significant. The combination of the firearm, ammunition, cash, and travel plans formed part of the evidence cited by prosecutors to support the charges.
The district attorney’s office stated that the circumstances of the arrest — including the timing, travel destination, and possession of a weapon — suggested Berkowitz was actively moving forward with the alleged plan. Officials emphasized that intervention occurred before any confrontation with the intended victims took place.
Following his arrest, Berkowitz was taken into custody and later denied bail. Prosecutors argued that the seriousness of the charges and the alleged preparation involved justified his continued detention pending further court proceedings. Authorities have not indicated whether additional individuals are under investigation in connection with the case. Luker, who contacted police and cooperated with investigators, was described by officials as a key witness whose report triggered the law enforcement response.
Charges, Court Proceedings, and Legal Implications
Berkowitz faces multiple criminal charges stemming from the alleged murder-for-hire plot. These include criminal solicitation for murder and attempted murder, along with other related offenses that have not been fully detailed publicly. Prosecutors have indicated that the charges reflect both the alleged planning and the steps taken toward carrying out the crimes.
Criminal solicitation for murder typically involves requesting, encouraging, or attempting to persuade another person to commit a killing, regardless of whether the crime is ultimately carried out. Attempted murder charges, prosecutors say, can apply when actions taken demonstrate intent and preparation to commit the act, even if the attempt is interrupted before completion.
Legal proceedings are set to begin with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 20. During that hearing, prosecutors are expected to present evidence supporting the charges, and a judge will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed to trial. The hearing may include testimony regarding the recorded conversation, the items recovered during the arrest, and the investigative steps taken by law enforcement.
If the case advances, it could involve additional hearings, motions, and potential negotiations before trial. Prosecutors have not publicly discussed possible sentencing ranges, but charges involving solicitation and attempted murder can carry significant penalties if a defendant is convicted. The district attorney’s office has emphasized that the case underscores the role of community reporting and cooperation with law enforcement. Officials noted that the investigation began with a report from an individual who said he was approached to carry out the alleged killings, allowing authorities to intervene before any harm occurred.
Berkowitz remains in custody at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Court records indicate he will remain detained unless future proceedings alter his bail status. Prosecutors have not announced any additional court dates beyond the scheduled preliminary hearing. The case continues to develop as investigators and prosecutors prepare for upcoming legal proceedings. Further details may emerge as evidence is presented in court and the judicial process moves forward.