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PRESS RELEASE – COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org

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Developments in the David Lewis Homicide Case – Arrest Made - SMPD Press Conference Summary

Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 3:30 pm – San Mateo Police Department – 200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA

San Mateo Police Chief Susan Manheimer today announced the arrest of Gregory Leon Elarms, a 58 year-old resident of Pittsburg, CA, as the suspect in the murder of Prominent East Palo Alto Community Leader David Lewis. Accompanying Chief Manheimer were Deputy San Mateo Mayor Brandt Grotte, County Supervisor Rose Jacobs-Gibson, East Palo Alto City Councilman Ruben Abrica, San Mateo County District Attorney James Fox, and East Palo Alto Police Chief Ron Davis. A large contingent of community members from East Palo Alto and family and friends of the late David Lewis were also present.

David Lewis was murdered in the early evening hours on June 9th, 2010. A large contingent of supporting law enforcement officers from SMPD and throughout the County responded to investigate the fatal shooting. Mr. Lewis was shot outside of his parked vehicle in a shopping center parking lot. He was immediately transported to the nearest trauma center, where sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.

Within the first day of the incident, SMPD Detectives established a text message tip-line, along with a telephone and email hotline, specifically for this investigation.

To date, SMPD Detectives conducted countless hours of investigation, which included over 100 interviews of witnesses, family members, community leaders, coworkers and friends of Mr. Lewis.

Detectives executed 25 search warrants, analyzed video and physical evidence, and followed up tirelessly on tips and leads throughout 6 Bay Area Counties.

SMPD detectives worked closely with other law enforcement experts including the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Forensic Lab, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Analysis from DOJ, the Department of Justice.

Chief Manheimer specifically recognized the East Palo Alto community’s support and the support of the East Palo Alto Police Department. The community made significant contributions to this investigation and provided great insight into David Lewis and his important life’s work. On two occasions, the Community of East Palo Alto came here to San Mateo to hold vigils and present leaflets to the public asking for information leading to the arrest of David Lewis’ killer. They clearly helped to keep this investigation prominent in the minds of the Public.

Many leads have been developed over the past six months. None have panned out until this past weekend. Upon the development of this lead, SMPD’s Detective Bureau worked round the clock to produce enough evidence to identify the killer of beloved community leader David Lewis.

ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER is Gregory Leon Elarms, a 58 year old male, who is a resident of Pittsburg. He has an extensive Criminal History dating back to 1969, with no recent arrest records. San Mateo Police Detectives made an arrest in this case at about 7:30 am on the morning of Sunday, December 19th. Elarms has been booked at San Mateo County Jail for Homicide.

Through our investigations we made contact with Mr. Elarms who said that he did have information relevant to the case. After extensive interviews and intense follow-up it became clear that Mr. Elarms was, in fact, the murderer.

We believe Greg Elarms acted alone. While we know that Mr. Elarms and Mr. Lewis did know each other, the extent of that relationship and the motive for this murder are still under investigation. SMPD believes Elarms followed Lewis from his worksite at San Mateo County General Hospital to the Hillsdale Mall parking garage. It was there that Elarms shot the unarmed David Lewis, tragically ending his life. SMPD has also taken possession of a vehicle we believe to be pertinent to this case. The vehicle is being evaluated by the San Mateo County Forensic Lab.

This tragic event has had a profound impact on the two communities. Mr. Lewis’s recent calling was to assist others in need. The taking of his life was a senseless and brutal act, which brought the communities and police departments together with the resources needed to see this case through to a successful conclusion.

Gregory Elarms will be arraigned tomorrow, Tuesday December 21, in Redwood City at San Mateo County Superior Court – Courtroom 4A.

Photos of Victim David Lewis and Suspect Gregory Elarms are attached as files.

Prepared by SMPD PIO Sergeant Dave Norris 650-522-7626 [email protected]