Man Admitted Killing Fiance, Detective Testifies

A 34-year-old Canoga Park man admitted to police that he shot and killed his fiancee during an argument about money and honeymoon plans, a Los Angeles police detective testified Wednesday.

Detective John F. Birrer testified at a preliminary hearing in San Fernando Municipal Court that Eric Michael Lewis, after being taken into custody for questioning, admitted killing Beverly Jordan, 30. Jordan was found shot to death in her car in the 22000 block of Santa Susana Pass Road in Chatsworth on Nov. 29.

Lewis is charged with murder and with a special circumstances allegation that the crime was committed for financial gain. If convicted, he could receive the death penalty, authorities said.

The victim’s sister, Karen Jordan, also testified Wednesday that Beverly Jordan took out a $150,000 life insurance policy naming Lewis as the beneficiary eight days before she was killed. But Lewis’ attorney, Joan Gordon, argued that the policy was not valid since no payments had been made.

Birrer testified that Lewis told investigators that the couple, who were planning to marry in January, had arranged to meet on Santa Susana Pass Road so they could travel in one car to look at nearby condominiums.

As the two returned to the parked car, they began arguing about money and wedding arrangements, Birrer said Lewis told investigators. When Jordan got back into her car, Lewis said he shot Jordan, Birrer testified.