Source: Montgomery County District Attorney.
A 41-year-old Dresher man has been arrested and charged after authorities say he tried to hire someone to kill his former girlfriend and two other men in New York, according to Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Francis Wheatley and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele.
Eric Berkowitz, of Upper Dublin Township, has been charged with three counts each of criminal solicitation for murder and attempted murder, along with related offenses including reckless endangerment and illegally possessing a firearm.
The case began on Feb. 10, 2026, when Upper Dublin resident Steven Luker contacted township police to report that Berkowitz had allegedly offered him $5,000 to murder three people in New York. According to investigators, Berkowitz identified the intended targets as his former girlfriend and two men she had dated after their seven-year relationship ended. Berkowitz then provided Luker with their addresses.
Police say Berkowitz supplied Luker with a MAC-11 firearm to carry out the killings and gave him a prepaid “burner” cellphone to use for communication. The plan, authorities allege, was for the two men to drive to New York on Feb. 11 and meet near one of the targeted homes.
Working with Upper Dublin police and Montgomery County detectives, Luker participated in a recorded phone conversation with Berkowitz. During that call, investigators say, Berkowitz confirmed the trip to New York and discussed meeting one street away from a target’s residence. He also allegedly stated that he would “take care of the girl himself."
Later that day, police observed Berkowitz leaving his residence and getting into an Uber vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested him. At the time, authorities say he was carrying a duffel bag containing a Masterpiece Arms Grim Reaper firearm loaded with 23 rounds of 9mm ammunition, cocaine, and a large amount of cash.
Berkowitz was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Christopher J. Cierski, who declined to set bail. He was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Doug Lavenberg.
