Sarah Lewis, a 34-year-old pregnant woman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, was tragically killed in a murder-suicide on December 20, 2020. The incident occurred just days before she was due to give birth to her fourth child, a baby girl she planned to name Isabella. Sarah was found with multiple gunshot wounds at her home on Willow Street and was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she later died. Her husband, Staff Sgt. Keith Lewis, 31, was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Their 3-year-old daughter, Callie, was not injured in the incident.
The couple had been married for five years and had a history of domestic disturbances. In 2016, Keith Lewis was arrested and charged with assaulting a woman and assault by pointing a gun. Family members were unaware of the domestic violence issues until the tragic incident. Sarah's aunt, Tammy De Mirza, described her niece as vivacious, fun, and lighthearted, with a smile that could light up the room. De Mirza also mentioned that Keith Lewis suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and would become violent when he consumed alcohol.
Sarah Lewis had two daughters, ages 8 and 6, from a previous relationship with a man who lives in Germany. After the incident, their 3-year-old daughter, Callie, was placed in the care of Sarah's father. Keith Lewis was a special operations combat medic in the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion, a subordinate unit of the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, 1st Special Forces Command. He had enlisted in the Army in 2007 and had deployed once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom between 2009 and 2010.
The murder-suicide has left the family and community in shock and mourning. Lt. Col. Mark Finnegan, commander of the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion, expressed profound sadness at the tragic passing of Staff Sgt. and Mrs. Lewis, emphasizing the deep impact on their unit and the support being provided to the family. The incident has highlighted the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly PTSD, among military personnel.
