On the chilling evening of December 29, 2011, police officer Clifton Lewis was working an off-duty security shift at a Chicago minimart. Two men entered the store and, in a brutal attack, shot Officer Lewis multiple times. The assailants fled the scene, taking his service weapon and police star with them.
The Investigation and Suspects
A week after the murder, law enforcement identified four suspects, all affiliated with the notorious Spanish Cobras street gang. During hours of intense police interrogation, each suspect repeatedly denied any involvement in the crime. Despite these consistent denials, authorities proceeded with the case, highlighting the complexities and pressures of high-profile criminal investigations.
Guardian's Investigative Podcast
This case serves as the focal point for episode one of Off Duty, an in-depth investigative podcast series produced by the Guardian. Journalist Melissa Segura leads the examination, uncovering layers of this tragic event and its aftermath. The series promises to explore the broader implications for justice and policing in urban communities.
Illustration for the series is provided by Kevin Serna of Guardian Design, adding a visual narrative to the audio investigation. Off Duty aims to shed light on untold stories within law enforcement and criminal justice, starting with this pivotal case that shook Chicago.
