In a gripping new investigative series, the Guardian launches Off Duty, a podcast hosted by Melissa Segura that uncovers the chilling details of a 2011 murder in Chicago. Episode one focuses on the tragic death of Clifton Lewis, a police officer who was working off-duty as a security guard at a local minimart on the evening of December 29, 2011.
The Night of the Crime
Two men entered the store and shot Lewis multiple times before fleeing with his service weapon and police star. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a high-stakes investigation. Within a week, authorities identified four suspects, all linked to the Spanish Cobras gang, a notorious group in the area.
Police Interrogation Tactics
During hours of intense questioning, each suspect vehemently denied involvement in the murder. However, as the podcast reveals, their denials appeared to have little impact on the police's approach, raising questions about investigative methods and potential biases in the case.
This episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of justice, gang violence, and law enforcement practices in urban America. Listeners can access the full series on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or through their preferred podcast apps.
Illustration by Kevin Serna for Guardian Design.
