Delton Vermont Lewis Jr. was an incredibly smart, wise, and loving young man whose presence could transform an ordinary moment into something unforgettable. Born in Lubbock, Texas, the 28-year-old male was known for his remarkable spirit and a bright, unforgettable personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Delton attended Estacado High School, where he formed lifelong friendships.
His family remembers him as the life of the party, with an infectious energy and a vibrant smile that could light up any room. He had a gift for bringing people together and creating an atmosphere of joy. A devoted father to his sons, Deyton and Legacy, Delton prioritized spending time with his family above all else. He found joy in traveling, fishing with his boys, and showing off his talents in the kitchen. An entrepreneur, he was the owner of Dzt Transportation, reflecting his determination to build a legacy.
The early morning hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, brought a sudden and violent end to Delton’s promising life. At approximately 2:37 a.m., Lubbock Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of East 26th Street and Ivory Avenue in East Lubbock after reports of shots being fired. While investigating the initial call, the officers heard more gunshots nearby. They rushed toward the sound and discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a parked car. Inside, they found Delton Lewis suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the initial investigation, police learned that a second victim, 18-year-old Yundi Inthisan-Johnson, had arrived at University Medical Center with moderate gunshot injuries believed to be connected to the same incident. Detectives with the Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit determined that Delton and Yundi were arriving in the area when an individual walked up to their vehicle and fired multiple shots, striking them both before fleeing the scene. The neighborhood, located near Southeast Drive, was known to be an area with a history of crime.
The investigation into Delton’s death was a collaborative effort involving dozens of units. The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit, the Lubbock Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center, the U.S. Marshals, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety dedicated hundreds of hours, following numerous leads over the next eleven days. Their investigation quickly identified a suspect, and a murder warrant was issued for 24-year-old Akkini McDade.
On October 22, 2026, at around 2:00 a.m., members of the TAG Center and U.S. Marshals located and arrested Akkini McDade. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lubbock County Detention Center, where he was booked on the murder warrant. His bond was set at $250,000. Lubbock police officials emphasized that the apprehension would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the multiple agencies involved, recognizing their dedication to obtaining justice for Delton's family.
A Celebration of Life Service for Delton was held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Broadway Church of Christ, followed by his interment at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Parks. He was survived by his father, Delton V. Lewis Sr., his grandmother, two sons, numerous sisters and brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends who cherished him. His obituary noted that a person's legacy is measured not by years lived, but by the love they give and the lives they touch, stating that Delton's smile will never be forgotten and his laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved him.
As of late October 2026, the case against Akkini McDade was proceeding through the justice system. In the initial stages of the investigation, the Lubbock Crime Line had offered a potential reward for information leading to an arrest and could be reached at 806-741-1000.
