Lewis Gets Death In Cassidy Murder Case

PHILADELPHIA - John Lewis has received the death penalty in the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy, two years ago.

Jury deliberations in the penalty phase of the murder trial of John Lewis ended Tuesday afternoon.

The proceedings were delayed Monday because a defense attorney for Lewis asked for a day off to attend the funeral of a close friend. Closing arguments were wrapped up Tuesday morning and the judge gave the jury its instructions.

"I'm glad this is over but like I said in court, there are no winners today and it doesn't make us feel any better," said Judy Cassidy, Officer Cassidy's widow, outside the courtroom. "We're glad this is over but we go home now and still deal with this."

Lewis, 23, was convicted of first-degree murder last week in the shooting death of Officer Cassidy.

Lewis's family declined to comment to reporters.

"There are no winners in this, absolutely none," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "You've got two families now totally destroyed, totally devastated. And for what?"

Cassidy, a 25-year police veteran, died a day after Lewis shot him in the head as he walked in on a doughnut shot robbery in the city's West Oak Lane section on Oct. 31, 2007.