As authorities continue their search for the killer of Chicago Police Officer Clifton Lewis, his heartbroken family is making plans for his funeral.
Lewis, 41, was trying to stop a robbery at M&M Quick Foods on the West Side when he was shot on Dec. 29. An eight year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who worked in the 15th District, Lewis was off-duty and working security at M&M when the incident occurred.
A public wake will be held for Lewis at United Baptist Church, 4242 W. Roosevelt Rd., at 10 a.m. on Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reports. His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m., but the burial will be private. The Police Memorial Foundation is preparing to give Lewis's family a $50,000 check, and a $13,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of his killer.
ABC Chicago reports that there were several surveillance cameras that captured the slaying, but the two gunmen involved were wearing masks:
The convenience store where off-duty officer Lewis was murdered Thursday night has since reopened for business. Inside the store there are at least six surveillance cameras that record comings and goings -- behind the counter where Lewis was standing, on the east wall which would show an enter and exit. There is also a camera that covers the parking lot.
The surveillance tape examined by police is said to show two gunmen wearing masks, one armed with what is believed to be a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol.
“What I can tell you is, the officer didn’t stand a chance in this case,” Police Supt. Garry McCarthy told Fox Chicago. “He did everything he could. One offender was armed with a handgun and a second individual was armed with something which would be akin to . . . a TEC-9.”
Store owner Jaimini Patel told the Chicago Tribune that the store was robbed about three weeks ago, which is reportedly why Lewis was hired.
He took the side job after proposing to his longtime girlfriend on Christmas Day -- to help pay for the wedding. His fiancée's son told Fox Chicago that his mother has been devastated by the murder. He also expressed his anger on Facebook:
“Why did someone have to kill my step-dad? I hate this damn world. Clift, you was my friend and even more — you acted as a father to me. You did what many men wouldn’t do, and that’s taking someone else’s child. You made my mom happy and me also. I will never forget you. R.I.P., Clift. Love, Your Son.”