A beloved animal rescuer known for her selfless spirit and positive energy was killed in her Santa Monica home in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide. Elizabeth Z. Lewis, 53, was the founder and CEO of Kitty of Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing kittens. Friends and colleagues remembered her as a uniquely joyful person who made the world a brighter and kinder place.
Born in Buffalo, New York, on November 8, 1972, Elizabeth, known to friends as
"Lizzie," was remembered as a "gem of a human being — full of light, love, and positivity." Through her work, she touched many lives, both human and animal. A tribute recalled her genuine, selfless spirit and beautiful outlook on life, noting she had an "effortless way of connecting with people." Another person who worked with her said Elizabeth approached everything with joy and enthusiasm, making people feel "welcomed, valued, and excited to be part of something meaningful." Her family included her mother, Zoe Miner, and four sisters, Margaret, Julie, Sally, and Katy.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a residence on the 2400 block of Fourth Street. The call came in at approximately 9:04 a.m. Inside the home, police discovered Elizabeth and her husband, 44-year-old Ryan Lewis, both deceased.
Both had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner were called to the scene. Following an autopsy, the medical examiner classified Elizabeth's death as a homicide and Ryan Lewis's death as a suicide. Both died from a gunshot wound to the head. Detectives believe that Ryan fatally shot his wife before taking his own life.
The Santa Monica Police Department is leading the investigation. Authorities stated that they believe the deaths were the result of an isolated murder-suicide involving the married couple and that no one else was involved. Police have not publicly disclosed what prompted the initial welfare check or if a firearm was recovered at the scene. They assured the community that there was no ongoing threat to public safety. The incident was the third suspected murder-suicide to occur in Santa Monica in 2026.
As of October 2026, the investigation was ongoing. Elizabeth's family suggested that those wishing to honor her memory could do so by making a donation to Kitty of Angels, the organization she founded and poured her passion into. Friends and fellow animal rescuers shared tributes online, expressing shock and sorrow at the loss of a woman who "did so much good in this world."
The Santa Monica Police Department has asked that anyone with information related to this incident contact the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427. The case remains open pending further investigation.
