Officer Cassidy's Widow Takes Stand

PHILADELPHIA - The confessed killer of a Philadelphia police officer shouted a tearful apology to the slain man's widow as she testified during his trial.

John Lewis said, "I apologize, Mrs. Cassidy" after the widow of Officer Chuck Cassidy recounted their final conversation during testimony Wednesday.

Judy Cassidy told jurors she spoke to her husband less than an hour before Lewis fatally shot him on Oct. 31, 2007, telling him "Be careful."

The 23-year-old defendant pleaded guilty last week to a general charge of murder. A jury is hearing testimony to decide if he will be convicted of first- or second-degree murder.

"I don't think there is a punishment that's too severe for this individual," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "It was a very emotional time, there wasn't a dry eye in the courtroom. Very very difficult but she's incredibly strong and how she did that, I have no idea. I don't believe I could."

Lewis admitted he shot the 53-year-old policeman in the head when the officer walked in on a doughnut shop robbery at Broad Street and 66th Avenue. Cassidy died a day later.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday.