Kelly Renee Bennett, a 34-year-old female, found her life tragically cut short on Saturday, April 30, 2022. She was a resident of Destrehan, a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a beloved mother to her three children. That evening, in the 4000 block of Dauphine Street in New Orleans, police responded to a call of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds, one of whom was Kelly.
Both victims were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Kelly Renee Bennett succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office later confirmed that her death was a homicide resulting from gunshot wounds. In the wake of her passing, she was remembered as a loving daughter, sister, and mother who adored her children and wanted nothing more than for them to have a wonderful life. Those who knew her recalled her thick curly hair, big green eyes, and a beautiful smile that could light up a room.
The investigation into Kelly's death was carried out by the New Orleans Police Department's Homicide Section. Through their diligent work, detectives were able to identify Brian Lewis as the primary suspect in the case. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Lewis on a charge of second-degree murder. The search for the suspect continued for over a year and a half.
On January 25, 2024, a significant breakthrough occurred in the case. A collaborative effort between the NOPD's Violent Offender Warrant Squad and the U.S. Marshals led to the apprehension of Brian Lewis. He was arrested without incident at a residence in the Sixth District of New Orleans and was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
