John Lewis Jr.’s death is the fourth homicide in Albany in 2017
John Lewis Jr. died Sunday at an Albany hospital
By Jon Gosa
ALBANY — Shooting victim John Lewis Jr., shot Saturday on South Jackson Street, died Sunday morning, according to Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler.
“Lewis died at the hospital Sunday morning at 10:55 a.m.,” Fowler said Tuesday. “His cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. I am unsure of the caliber of gun used.”
Lewis’ death is Albany’s fourth homicide of 2017 and the 19th homicide in the city during the last 12 months. The first homicide of 2016 occurred on March 6.
The Herald reported Tuesday that Lewis remained in critical condition based on updates from the Albany Police Department sent Monday. The APD report contained redacted information, and there was no mention in the report of a gun found with Lewis or of multiple shots fired during the incident.
Officials at the Albany Police Department held off on confirming Lewis’ death Tuesday morning, referring a herald reporter to Fowler.
“Out of respect for the family, we have not formally announced his death yet,” APD spokeswoman Phyllis Banks said. “We have not received an official deceased notification from Mr. Fowler.”
Banks said she could not comment on reports of a gun at the scene or that there was a gunfire exchange “because that is vital information to the investigation and we are following up on every lead or tip that comes in.”
According to Banks, APD is still investigating the circumstances of the shooting that took place Saturday afternoon.
According to reports, the shooting occurred around 1:37 p.m. Saturday. When an APD officer arrived at 1939 South Jackson, a gray Nissan Frontier with an Alabama tag was observed lodged between three large trees. The officer on the scene reported seeing three black males running from the rear of the building headed northbound across West Oakridge Drive.
Reports indicate that Lewis was found in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the head, and the responding officer attempted to put pressure on the wound until EMS arrived.
No suspects have yet been announced and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call Albany Area Crime Stoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477) or the APD at (229) 431-2100.
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