Montco Man Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

Eric Berkowitz accused of offering $5,000 to kill three people in New York

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 41-year-old Dresher, Pennsylvania man named Eric Berkowitz has been arrested and charged with criminal solicitation for murder and attempted murder after allegedly offering $5,000 to an Upper Dublin resident to kill three people in New York, including Berkowitz's former girlfriend and two of her new romantic partners.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious nature of alleged murder-for-hire plots and the need for law enforcement to swiftly intervene to prevent such violent crimes from being carried out. It also raises questions about the motivations and mental state of individuals who would allegedly seek to orchestrate the deaths of others.

The details

According to authorities, Berkowitz provided the would-be hitman with the names, addresses, a Mac 11 firearm, and a burner phone to facilitate the planned murders. Police conducted a recorded conversation with Berkowitz in which he confirmed the plan to travel to New York and carry out the killings. Berkowitz was arrested as he was leaving his home to meet the hitman, and a search found he was carrying a loaded firearm, cocaine, and a large sum of cash.

  • On Tuesday, the intended hitman, Steven Luker, reported Berkowitz's murder-for-hire plot to Upper Dublin Township Police.
  • Police conducted the recorded conversation with Berkowitz on an unspecified date prior to his arrest.
  • Berkowitz was arrested on an unspecified date as he was leaving his home to meet the hitman.

The players

Eric Berkowitz

A 41-year-old resident of Dresher, Pennsylvania who has been charged with criminal solicitation for murder and attempted murder for allegedly offering $5,000 to kill three people in New York, including his former girlfriend.

Steven Luker

An Upper Dublin Township resident who reported Berkowitz's murder-for-hire plot to police.

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What they’re saying

“We must take all threats of violence extremely seriously and move swiftly to intervene and prevent harm.”

— Montgomery County District Attorney

What’s next

A preliminary hearing for Berkowitz is scheduled for February 20th, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of vigilant reporting by community members and the need for law enforcement to act quickly to thwart alleged murder-for-hire plots in order to protect public safety.