Czsar Lewis, a 24-year-old male, tragically lost his life on the evening of Sunday, October 2, 2022, in Albany, New York. Known affectionately as 'CJ' to his friends and family, Lewis was a graduate of Albany High School and had been taking classes at Schenectady Community College. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend who was remembered for his love of the outdoors, music, and his cat, Lewie.
His recent employment as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service was a point of pride, and he was known for his volunteer work with Young Voters Registration and gardening at a neighborhood church.
On that fateful evening, at approximately 7:25 p.m., at the intersection of Central Avenue and Robin Street, Lewis was shot once in the chest. The incident led to a swift investigation by the Albany police. The investigation utilized video surveillance from the area, which, along with a recorded interview and a phone call, pointed to a suspect.
Laquan Fallen, who was 24 years old at the time, was arrested in connection with the shooting. Initially, Fallen faced a charge of second-degree murder and felony weapon possession. His defense attorney suggested the shooting was an act of self-defense, claiming that surveillance video showed Lewis 'stalking Central Avenue' and reaching into his backpack at the time of the incident. However, the prosecution stated that during a lengthy interview, Fallen never indicated that he saw Lewis with any weapon.
Ultimately, in August 2023, Laquan Fallen pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree manslaughter and felony possession of a weapon. He admitted to recklessly causing Lewis's death. In December 2023, a judge sentenced Fallen to 5 to 15 years in state prison for the fatal shooting. During the sentencing, Czsar Lewis's mother, Connie Wiggins, delivered a powerful victim impact statement, expressing the profound grief of burying her son.
