Philly man in death penalty case shocks court by pleading guilty to murdering police officer

By MARYCLAIRE DALE , Associated Press

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 1:30 PM

PHILADELPHIA - A chubby-cheeked young defendant surprised a packed courtroom Thursday by pleading guilty to the Halloween 2007 murder of a Philadelphia police officer during a doughnut store robbery.

Now the jury must decide if the slaying was premeditated or a panicked reaction. A premeditated murder conviction could subject the defendant to the death penalty.

Officer Chuck Cassidy is remembered as a warm, dedicated community servant. The 54-year-old was raising three children with his high school sweetheart and made daily rounds at small businesses on his beat.

Defendant John Lewis of Philadelphia is the 23-year-old son of a corrections officer.

Prosecutors say he grew increasingly brazen — and violent — over a half-dozen store robberies during a six-week crime spree.

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