Keondre Dawon Lewis, a 19-year-old African American male from Youngstown, Ohio, tragically lost his life on March 23, 2025. Lewis was a 2024 graduate of East High School and had aspirations of attending Youngstown State University later that year. He was known for his passion for football and basketball, as well as his work as a cook at Burger King and Hot Head Burritos. His love for the Seattle Seahawks and his close-knit family were central to his life.
Lewis was found in the dining room of a home on Rhoda Avenue on Youngstown’s West Side, suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 2:14 p.m. and gathered statements from multiple witnesses, who identified the alleged shooter. The suspect, a 14-year-old male, was located at a different location and taken into custody. He faces charges of murder with a firearm specification, a mandatory Serious Youthful Offender Specification, and a specification for the forfeiture of a handgun. The suspect is currently being held at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center.
Court proceedings for the suspect are ongoing, with hearings scheduled to determine whether the case will be transferred to adult court. The next hearing is set for May 7, followed by another on June 2, where a decision regarding the case’s jurisdiction may be made.
Lewis leaves behind a grieving family, including his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a special friend. His funeral services are scheduled to take place at L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home in Youngstown, where loved ones will gather to honor his memory.
