United Center area shooting case: Two Chicago men charged in death of Project 1901 contractor as court hearings approach
united center is at the center of renewed scrutiny after Chicago police and court records detailed the fatal shooting of 67-year-old contractor and developer Jerry Lewis near the arena area on West Madison Street. Two Chicago men, Nassie Mason, 28, and Erving Harris, 31, have been charged as authorities continue to withhold a motive and outline next court steps in the case.
What Happens When charges follow a daytime killing near United Center?
Chicago police said Mason and Harris were taken into custody at about 12: 50 p. m. Tuesday in the 2100 block of West Madison Street, shortly after Lewis was shot in the same block. Police said the shooting happened just before 1 p. m. near West Madison and South Leavitt streets, and Lewis was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died.
Mason and Harris each face charges of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The Cook County Medical Examiner has not officially identified the victim, even as police and relatives identified the man as Jerry Lewis, 67.
Lewis’ family described him as a successful Chicago contractor and developer who was instrumental in Project 1901, a $7-billion development of property around the United Center. His wife said he had a profound impact on the construction community and those on the West Side.
What If surveillance video and witness accounts shape the next phase?
Authorities have not outlined a motive for the attack or provided details about what led to the violence. Even so, court documents and statements described in open court provide a more granular picture of what investigators say occurred.
Surveillance video described in court documents shows a stolen gray Honda outside Lewis’ office building for about 90 minutes before the shooting. Court records also describe stolen plates on the vehicle and note the Honda was reported stolen in early March. Investigators say the suspects wore ski masks and latex gloves.
A witness account summarized in court documents states that Lewis was walking from one office building to an adjacent building that he also owned and was headed to the door, waiting to be let inside. The witness, already inside, went to open the door and then saw the defendants get out of the vehicle. The account says Mason approached from behind and fired a shot into the back of Lewis’ head, after which the witness took cover and heard additional gunshots.
Surveillance footage from across the street described in court records allegedly shows Harris standing over Lewis and firing additional rounds before both men attempted to flee. Police said six officers who were patrolling in the area confronted them as they tried to get away. Police accounts say Mason dropped his gun and ran east before being detained, while Harris dropped his gun and raised his hands.
In court, Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara described officers watching the two men jump out of the vehicle and witnessing the shooting. Pekara said four shell casings recovered at the scene matched recovered guns, including one with an extended magazine. Judge D’Anthony Thedford ordered both defendants held at the Cook County Jail following a detention hearing.
What Happens Next as the investigation continues without a public motive?
Investigators have emphasized that key questions remain unresolved, including what led up to the shooting and whether the victim knew the suspects. That uncertainty is likely to keep attention on court proceedings as prosecutors lay out what they can prove and defense attorneys respond.
Both defendants are scheduled for additional court appearances Friday. Prosecutors have also highlighted each man’s criminal history in court. Court statements indicated Harris was on parole for vehicular hijacking at the time of his arrest. Pekara said Harris has been arrested repeatedly and has twice been convicted in drug cases. Pekara also said Mason previously served prison time after convictions that included aggravated discharge of a firearm and a later weapons case involving a device that can convert a handgun to fire automatically.
For now, officials have not provided a motive, and the case remains framed publicly around charging documents, surveillance imagery described in court, witness accounts, and the police narrative of a rapid arrest near the scene. The death of Lewis—identified by family as a key figure tied to development work near the united center—adds an additional layer of public interest as the legal process moves forward.
