Off Duty: The Murder of Officer Clifton Lewis in Chicago
Off Duty: The Murder of Officer Clifton Lewis

Off Duty: The Crime

On the evening of 29 December 2011, Officer Clifton Lewis was moonlighting as a security guard at a Chicago minimart. Two men entered the store and shot Lewis multiple times before fleeing with his service weapon and police star. The brutal attack left the officer dead, sparking a swift police investigation.

Suspects and Interrogations

Within a week, authorities identified four suspects affiliated with the Spanish Cobras gang. During hours of intense questioning, all four men maintained their innocence, denying any involvement in the murder. However, their statements did not deter the investigation, which continued to focus on their potential roles in the crime.

This case is the subject of episode one of Off Duty, an in-depth investigation by Melissa Segura from The Guardian. The series explores the complexities of the murder and the broader implications for law enforcement and community safety. Listen to the full series on The Guardian Investigates podcast for a comprehensive analysis.

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Illustration: Kevin Serna/Guardian Design

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