Uncle Testifies About Nephew's Planning of Bank Robbery and Police Shooting

Strategic Insights -

Mitchell Cain, the uncle of Howard Cain, testified about his nephew's planning and execution of a bank robbery in Philadelphia on May 3, 2008. According to Cain, his nephew had extensively planned the robbery, including carjacking a Jeep Liberty and disguising himself and his accomplices in women's Muslim garb. However, Cain became increasingly uncomfortable with the plan and ultimately abandoned his role in the robbery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Howard Cain, the nephew, was the leader of the bank robbery scheme, which involved carjacking a Jeep Liberty and robbing a Bank of America branch inside a ShopRite market.
  • Mitchell Cain, the uncle, participated in the carjacking on May 2, 2008, but abandoned his role in the robbery the next day, citing concerns about kidnapping and his nephew's reckless behavior.
  • Cain testified about his nephew's willingness to use violence, stating that "anybody who comes up behind me and tries to be a hero, they're going to get hurt."
  • The accomplices, Eric DeShann Floyd and Levon T. Warner, were both involved in the robbery and handled a 35-shot Chinese SKS military assault rifle.
  • Cain's testimony was given under a plea agreement with the District Attorney's office, in exchange for leniency on his 22-1/2 to 45-year prison sentence.
  • Cain's testimony highlighted the brutality of the crime, including the shooting of Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, who was hit by eight bullets and left dying next to his squad car.

Statistics:

  • 8: The number of bullets that hit Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski during the shooting.
  • 35: The number of shots in the Chinese SKS military assault rifle used in the bank robbery.
  • 22 1/2 to 45: The prison sentence range for Mitchell Cain, who pleaded guilty to carjacking and weapons charges.
  • 39: The age of Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski at the time of his death.
  • 12: The number of years of service for Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski.

Sources:

  • Joseph A. Slobodzian, "Uncle Testifies About Nephew's Planning of Bank Robbery and Police Shooting," The Philadelphia Inquirer (July 7, 2010)