In the quiet community of Dothan, Alabama, the life of 62-year-old Reinetta Ann Morrow Lewis came to a tragic and violent end on March 6, 2024. A retired postal worker, Lewis was a Chicago native who had dedicated 35 years of her life to the United States Postal Service, working in various cities before settling in Dothan. Known for her friendly disposition and strong work ethic, she was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
On that fateful Wednesday, the tranquility of
the 900 block of East Bunche Street was shattered by the sound of gunfire. When Dothan police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Reinetta in her front yard, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics who arrived shortly after pronounced her deceased at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a suspect run back into the residence after the shooting. This individual was later identified as her 67-year-old ex-husband, Ansel Lewis.
A tense standoff ensued as law enforcement established a perimeter around the home. Crisis negotiators attempted to make contact with Ansel for approximately an hour, but their efforts were met with silence. The Special Response Team eventually forced entry into the residence. To ensure the safety of the officers, a robot equipped with a camera was sent in first. The robot's camera feed revealed a male, matching Ansel's description, who appeared to be deceased. Upon entering, officers confirmed that Ansel Lewis had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation into the tragic event concluded that it was a murder-suicide, with the motive appearing to be domestic in nature. The incident left the community in shock and mourning for a woman described as a beloved member of her family and community, who is survived by her son, two granddaughters, and several siblings.
