In early March 2025, the bodies of 19-year-old Naazir Rahim Lewis and his twin brother, Qaadir Malik Lewis, were discovered by hikers at the summit of Bell Mountain, near Hiawassee, Georgia. Both young men, from Lawrenceville, were found with gunshot wounds. The initial investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation pointed towards a possible murder-suicide, a theory that was immediately contested by the family of the twins.
The last time the brothers were seen alive was at a gas station in Lawrenceville, approximately 90 miles from where their bodies were found.
The family expressed deep skepticism about the initial findings, emphasizing the close and loving relationship between the brothers, making it unimaginable that one would harm the other. They highlighted that the twins had no known connection to Bell Mountain and were not known to be hikers. In fact, they were scheduled to fly to Boston for business related to their new clothing line the day before their bodies were discovered. Their plane tickets were reportedly found with them. The family’s belief that foul play was involved was strong, with some calling the incident a 'lynching' and demanding a thorough and transparent investigation.
In May 2025, the GBI concluded its investigation, ruling the deaths a double suicide. This conclusion was based on several key findings. Cellular location data tracked the brothers' journey from their home to Bell Mountain, and surveillance footage from a gas station on the way showed them alone and appearing calm. The GBI also revealed that Naazir had purchased the ammunition used in the incident and had it delivered to their home days before their deaths. Furthermore, an examination of their internet search history revealed searches for topics related to suicide and the use of firearms.
Despite the GBI's official ruling, the family of Naazir and Qaadir Lewis continues to dispute the finding of suicide, maintaining their belief that the twins were met with foul play. They have been vocal in their disagreement, calling for further investigation into the mysterious and tragic end to the young men's lives. In a related development, a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter, Scott Kerlin, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor obstruction. His arrest was not for involvement in the deaths themselves, but for allegedly taking and sharing unauthorized photos from the scene of the tragedy. He was subsequently terminated from his position.
