⏱ 2 min read
Taqiy Lewis, a 29-year-old from Lakeland, Florida, was involved in a shootout outside a residence on December 24, 2020, that killed 70-year-old grandma M.C. and injured three others, including a 13-year-old. The shooting occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. when Lewis and others engaged in a gunfight outside M.C.’s home. Lewis, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at the time of the shooting.
Forensic testing confirmed that a Kahr CM9 9mm pistol recovered during an unrelated investigation in 2023 was the firearm used to kill M.C. Further investigation revealed that Lewis had obtained a fake alibi and had the jacket and sandals he used during the shooting burned in a barrel. Lewis remains under investigation by state law enforcement for causing M.C.’s death.
Lewis pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon in connection with the shooting. He was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Kathryn Mizelle. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lakeland Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
The shooting highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and the importance of enforcing laws that prohibit convicted felons from possessing firearms. The sentence handed down to Lewis reflects the severity of the crime and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Florida
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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