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Sister Of Suspect Charged In Philadelphia Officer's Death Speaks

By Jericka Duncan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Eyewitness News was there as Margaret Leck, the mother of John Leck Jr., returned home, Monday afternoon. She returned home with her daughter, who quickly commented on Officer Brian Lorenzo.

"We're really thinking of the officer's family and that's it for right now," said Leck's sister who didn't give us her name.

"If it's true what they say, apparently he just made a bad mistake and unfortunately, it's a tragedy for everybody," said a nearby neighbor.

That neighbor didn't want to be identified but says she has known the Leck family more than 30 years.

"I love that family, I mean they've always been wonderful."

On Sunday, she says she learned her son's childhood friend, 48-year-old John Leck Jr., is the man suspected of killing Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Brian Lorenzo.

"Reckless is an understatement when you talk about traveling the wrong direction," said Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross. "All indications is that he was under the influence."

Eyewitness News captured video of the 2010 Audi, police say Leck drove South on I-95 North near Cottman Avenue, around 3:15 Sunday morning. Police say, the impact from Leck's car instantly killed officer Lorenzo who was riding a motorcycle, on his way home from work.

State police, who are handling the investigation, say Leck remains in the hospital. He's facing homicide and DUI charges.

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