Casey Ann Fulford, a 33-year-old white female, was a vibrant conservationist who was deeply loved by her community. Originally from Miami, Florida, Casey had made Dauphin Island, Alabama, her home after graduating from Florida State University. Her obituary described her as generous, strong, loving, and full of life, a person who loved her chickens, Disney, and Taylor Swift.
She was passionate about her work at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and her home was known to have an open-door policy for her many friends and family.
Casey’s life was cut short on August 6, 2024. That night, police were called to her residence on Chenault Avenue with a report of a murder-suicide. Inside, they found Casey, who had been fatally shot multiple times. Investigators learned the shooting followed an argument related to the end of her relationship with her long-term boyfriend; she had broken up with him just a week prior.
The investigation quickly focused on her ex-boyfriend, 45-year-old Jereme Wlee Lewis. According to prosecutors, a neighbor called the police after Lewis ran to their home appearing upset after the shooting. Authorities arrested Lewis at the scene and charged him with murder. Records showed that police had been called to the couple's home several times in the past for domestic complaints during their decade-long relationship.
Following his arrest, Lewis was granted a $300,000 bond and initially pleaded not guilty. After a preliminary hearing in September 2024, a judge sent the case to a grand jury. During this time, the handgun used in the shooting remained missing. Casey’s family publicly pleaded for help in locating it, increasing a reward to $3,000 for any information that led to its recovery. Her mother and brother also spoke out to raise awareness about domestic violence, asking that donations in Casey’s name be made to organizations that help other victims.
On March 3, 2026, Jereme Lewis appeared in court and accepted a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to the charge of intentional murder. A judge sentenced him to 25 years in prison; he will be eligible for parole. Casey’s family, who attended the hearing wearing sunglasses on their heads in her honor, said the plea brought them a sense of relief and closure, allowing them to focus on her legacy of helping others. The case was officially closed in March 2026.
