In the small town of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, a young man's life was cut short in a violent encounter that stemmed from a domestic disturbance. Brandon Chase Lewis, a 21-year-old resident known for his love of the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, was fatally shot on the evening of September 8, 2019. Those who knew him remember his vibrant personality and an infectious smile that could light up a room.
He was a father to a son, Braxton Chase Lewis, and a daughter, Stella Claire Lewis.
On that Sunday evening, police were dispatched to a residence on North Brooks Street following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Brandon Lewis with a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite immediate medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The subsequent investigation revealed that the shooting was the culmination of a heated argument that turned violent.
The man identified as the shooter was 23-year-old Willie Ray Holly. According to law enforcement, Lewis and Holly were unacquainted prior to the incident. The argument that led to the fatal shooting took place in the presence of a woman and four young children, none of whom sustained any physical injuries. Holly was promptly arrested at the scene and was later charged with murder.
Following his arrest, Willie Ray Holly was taken into custody and held on a $20,000 bond. The legal proceedings against him moved forward, with the initial murder charge later being presented as manslaughter. The tragic death of Brandon Lewis sent ripples through the Pelahatchie community, prompting local residents and church members to rally in support of his grieving family and the children who bore witness to the traumatic event.
