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Admitted Drug Gang Hitman Holds Ground During Kaboni Savage Murder Trial

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An admitted drug gang hitman, who testified earlier that he killed a witnesses' family in a North Philadelphia firebombing for his team (see related story), today held his ground during cross-examination in the trial of a man charged with ordering the 2004 arson murders.

Cooperating witness Lamont Lewis says he knew his role in the gang, and did it without question. He has admitted to 11 murders, and has told the jury he took part in the arson that killed six because defendant Kaboni Savage and Savage's sister told him to do it.

But the defense, which contends Lewis is lying to save himself from the death penalty, is trying to undermine his credibility and his story, in part by highlighting his evil acts.

Lewis today answered matter-of-factly as the defense questioned him about killing a woman by shooting her in the face and ordering his henchmen to kick a paralyzed and dying shooting victim in the head.

The defense has also suggested other motives and participants in the firebombing.

But Lewis has readily conceded he was a killer and did a lot of things he regrets. But he says he is telling the truth.

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