LBPD said it's also possible that "Bobby" drove a top over blue 1970's Pontiac Bonneville or Fleetwood Cadillac. Below are stock photos of a 1970s Pontiac Bonneville & Fleetwood Cadillac.
Detectives also indicate that they learned that other African-American males and females were present with "Bobby" when the murder occurred. LBPD describes a person of interest as an African-American female between the ages of 18 and 20 ay the time, known by the nickname of "Spider."
LBPD said its Detectives "are hopeful the [composite] sketch will prompt leads in this investigation"
LBPD officer Franke Lewis (photo right) [LBPD release text] On December 13, 1975, just before 3 a.m., 28-year-old Long Beach Police Officer Franke Lewis was murdered in the 6200 block of Cantel Street in East Long Beach. Officer Lewis had been with the department for about two years and was returning home after his patrol shift ended when he tried to stop a crime in progress and was murdered.
About 30 minutes prior to Officer Lewis arriving home, Mr. Denis Gitschier was driving on the freeway, but began to feel tired. Mr. Gitschier pulled off the freeway, onto Cantel Street, and went to sleep in his car. He was awakened by a suspect or suspects violently beating him, possibly in an attempt to steal his car.
Based on the investigation, detectives believe Officer Lewis arrived home, parked his personal car and, seeing this activity down the street, went to investigate. As Officer Lewis approached, the suspect or suspects who had violently beaten Mr. Gitschier confronted Officer Lewis, shot him, and fled. Residents called police after hearing the gunfire.
Sadly, Officer Lewis was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Gitschier was transported to a local hospital where he remained for several days due to the extent of his injuries.
Officer Lewis' duty weapon, police badge, and police identification were taken from his person on the night he was killed. On March 12, 1976, Officer Lewis’ police badge and police identification were recovered from a vacant residence at 915 South Acacia Avenue in the City of Compton. Officer Lewis' duty weapon remains outstanding.
Last week, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors (on the recommendation of Supervisor Don Knabe) issued a $10,000 reward for information leading the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder. The LB Police Officers Ass'n and Fraternal Order of Police have increased the reward to $50,000. Following LBPD's announcement, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia agendized an item for the Nov. 10 City Council meeting, asking the Council to approve adding $25,000 to the existing $50,000 reward.
Anyone who may have lived in the Long Beach or Compton areas in 1975, or who may have been involved, or has any information about the murder of Long Beach Police Officer Franke Lewis is urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Johnson, Robertson or Bigel at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.
