On a tragic evening in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the life of 17-year-old Curaan Williams, a male, was cut short. On June 8, 2020, Williams was on the second-floor balcony of his Blaine Avenue home when he was shot multiple times. Known affectionately as 'Ron Ron,' he was remembered as a talented young man with a bright smile, a gift for lyrical creativity, and a passion for dancing.
The investigation into the senseless act of violence quickly revealed a grim possibility: Curaan may not
have been the intended target. Authorities identified two suspects, Shaquana Lewis, then 35, and Lewis Johnson, then 31. According to the affidavit, the motive appeared to stem from a dispute involving Lewis's daughter and Williams' foster brother. It is believed that Lewis was targeting her daughter's ex-boyfriend, who was Williams' foster brother. Evidence suggested that Lewis had made threats towards the foster brother in phone messages left on his father's phone prior to the shooting.
On the day of the incident, Lewis and Johnson allegedly drove to the residence. Johnson is said to have exited the vehicle, approached the home, and shot Williams before fleeing the scene with Lewis. The pair were apprehended shortly after in Wilson Borough, Pennsylvania, and were extradited back to Atlantic County to face charges.
Lewis Johnson was charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Shaquana Lewis faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder. Ultimately, Lewis Johnson was convicted of the murder of Curaan Williams and was sentenced to life in prison. Shaquana Lewis pleaded guilty to her role in the crime and also received a prison sentence. The tragic event left a community in mourning and a family grieving the loss of a young life full of promise.
