In the winter of 2020, a shooting in Montgomery, Alabama, led to the death of 65-year-old William Elmore, III. The Black/African American man was shot on December 19 in the 4100 block of Troy Highway. He was transported to Baptist South Hospital to be treated for a life-threatening gunshot wound to his chest. Ten days later, on December 29, 2020, Elmore succumbed to his injuries.
Following Elmore's death, the Montgomery Police Department's investigation into the shooting was reclassified
as a homicide investigation. Through their investigation, authorities identified 38-year-old Michael Lewis as the primary suspect in the case. A warrant for Lewis's arrest on a murder charge was subsequently issued. In an effort to locate him, a $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest, with Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker contributing an additional $10,000 to the Central Alabama CrimeStoppers reward fund.
On January 8, 2021, members of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force received an anonymous tip that led them to a residence on Wright Street in Montgomery. There, they located Michael Lewis. He attempted to flee but was apprehended and taken into custody. Lewis was arrested and charged with the murder of William Elmore, III.
