Keldric Deon Lewis, a 42-year-old male, was the victim of a fatal assault in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On the evening of May 1, 2021, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Lewis was discovered unresponsive in the 1500 block of North Acadian Thruway West. He was immediately transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. Despite medical efforts, Keldric Lewis succumbed to his injuries two days later, on May 3, 2021.
His passing was not in vain, as his organ donations through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency went on to save four other lives.
The circumstances of his death stemmed from a brutal attack. Witnesses from a nearby crawfish boil reported seeing Lewis sitting under a tree with another man shortly before the assault. The man, later identified as Antonio Palmer, allegedly grabbed a stick and struck Lewis in the head multiple times. Investigators believe the motive for this violent act was robbery.
Following an investigation, which was aided by an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip, Baton Rouge Police detectives arrested 38-year-old Antonio Palmer on June 30, 2021. Upon being confronted by law enforcement, Palmer admitted to attacking Lewis and taking money from his hand before leaving the scene. While Palmer claimed to be related to Lewis, the victim's family has denied any familial connection. Palmer was subsequently booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. He is facing charges of Second Degree Murder and Armed Robbery for his role in the death of Keldric Deon Lewis.
