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Endicott Today
By the People, for the People
Pennsylvania Man Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Ex-Girlfriend and Two Others
Suspect allegedly offered $5,000 to former friend to help carry out the killings
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Eric Berkowitz, a 41-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been arrested and charged with attempting to hire a former friend to help him murder his ex-girlfriend and two men she dated after their relationship ended. Berkowitz allegedly contacted the friend via Facebook, offering $5,000 to assist in the killings. The friend immediately reported Berkowitz to the police, who then recorded their meeting where Berkowitz provided a firearm and burner phone. Berkowitz was arrested as he was heading to his ex-girlfriend's home in Endicott, New York, with a duffel bag containing a loaded gun, cocaine, and cash.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and stalking, as well as the growing problem of murder-for-hire plots fueled by jealousy and a desire for revenge. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the need for stronger measures to prevent such violent crimes.
The details
According to prosecutors, Berkowitz used Facebook to contact an old school friend, Steven Luker, whom he had not spoken to in years. Berkowitz allegedly offered Luker $5,000 to help him murder his ex-girlfriend as well as two men she had dated after their relationship ended. Shocked, Luker immediately reported Berkowitz to the police and agreed to record their meeting, during which Berkowitz allegedly handed over a Mac 11 firearm and a burner phone. Berkowitz then told Luker he would 'take care of the girl himself' and shared his plan to meet near one of the targets' homes to carry out the killings.
- On Tuesday, Berkowitz allegedly contacted Luker and arranged to meet with him.
- On Wednesday, Berkowitz was arrested as he was getting into an Uber heading towards his ex-girlfriend's address in Endicott, New York.
The players
Eric Berkowitz
A 41-year-old man from Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania, who has been charged with attempting to hire a former friend to help him murder his ex-girlfriend and two men she dated after their relationship ended.
Steven Luker
An old school friend of Berkowitz's who Berkowitz allegedly contacted and offered $5,000 to help him carry out the murders. Luker immediately reported Berkowitz to the police and agreed to record their meeting.
What’s next
Berkowitz is due to appear in court again on February 20 for a hearing. The judge has ordered him to be held without bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent domestic violence and stalking, as well as the growing problem of murder-for-hire plots fueled by jealousy and a desire for revenge. It underscores the importance of reporting suspicious behavior to the authorities and the role that technology can play in both enabling and preventing such crimes.
