Kendra Lewis, a 27-year-old mother from Orlando, Florida, tragically lost her life on December 7, 2016. She was driving through the parking lot of a Citgo gas station at Silver Star and Pine Hills roads when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting. Lewis was struck in the face by a stray bullet while her 5-year-old daughter was in the back seat of the car.
Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, Lewis succumbed to her injuries the following day after being taken off life support.
The investigation revealed that Lewis was an innocent bystander, not the intended target of the shooting. The incident occurred in a high-crime area known for frequent disturbances and violence. Witnesses reported seeing a teenager, who was part of a group involved in the altercation, fleeing the scene in a white SUV. The suspects, Jayvon Joachin and Deshawn Miller, both 17 at the time, were later apprehended by deputies while driving a stolen car in Polk County. They were charged as adults with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Lewis' family pursued legal action against the gas station where the incident occurred. They filed a lawsuit, arguing that the gas station failed to provide adequate security measures despite being aware of the frequent violent incidents in the area. The lawsuit highlighted the lack of preventive actions taken by the gas station, which ultimately led to the tragic loss of Lewis' life.
The case against Joachin and Miller proceeded through the legal system, with both teens eventually pleading guilty to the charges. They received prison sentences of 15 and 25 years, respectively. The tragic death of Kendra Lewis not only brought attention to the ongoing issue of violence in the Pine Hills area but also underscored the need for improved safety measures in high-risk locations. Her family continues to advocate for justice and safety in their community, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
