A Cooperating Mass Murderer Sentenced To 40 Years In Prison

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is one of the most horrific, cold-hearted crimes in the history of Philadelphia: a firebombing that wiped out a witness's family. The final defendant, a cooperator, was sentenced this week.

Drug gang enforcer Lamont Lewis, who admitted his role in setting the fire that killed the witness's mother, infant son and four others, as well as five additional murders, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Authorities say they saw true remorse from a man who committed monstrous acts, but took responsibility and accepted he will pay a high price.

Prosecutor John Gallagher recounted one exchange during an early meeting.

"I'm just sitting there and I am listening, and I hear Lamont Lewis say to the detective, 'I know I am going to hell when I die.'"

Three others were sentenced to life in prison in the case. All that remains is imposition of the final penalty.

Drug gang leader Kaboni Savage, convicted of ordering the firebombing, was sentenced to death.

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