Two men from Chicago are facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a local contractor near the United Center earlier this week. The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday when Nassie Mason, 28, and Erving Harris, 31, were both charged with first-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm as felons.
The arrests were made shortly after Jerry Lewis, a 67-year-old contractor, was shot and killed around 12:50 p.m. on the 2100 block of West Madison Street. Chicago police report that Lewis was gunned down in the same vicinity where Mason and Harris were apprehended.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Lewis was a respected figure in the construction industry, particularly on the West Side of Chicago, and he left a lasting impression on those who knew him, according to his wife.
The fatal incident occurred just before 1 p.m. near the intersection of West Madison and South Leavitt streets. Family members of Lewis revealed that he was targeted while walking between offices when approached by the armed assailants who then opened fire.
Lewis was killed just before 1 p.m. near West Madison and South Leavitt streets.
The 67-year-old’s family said he was shot while walking between offices when he was approached by two gunmen who opened fire.
He was shot in the head and was rushed to Stroger hospital where he died, police said.
Lewis’ family said he was a successful Chicago contractor and developer who was instrumental in Project 1901, the $7-billion development of property around the United Center.
Authorities have not outlined a motive for the attack or given details about what led to the violence.
The Cook County medical examiner has not officially identified the victim.
Mason and Harris are due in court Friday.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
