In the quiet neighborhood of Pin Oaks Estates in Petersburg, Virginia, the night of June 6, 2017, was shattered by violence. On Sandlewood Court, Lewis E. Garris II, a 36-year-old male known affectionately to friends and family as 'Black,' was found shot. When police officers arrived at the scene shortly after 11:30 p.m., they found Garris unresponsive; he was pronounced dead at the location. His death marked the fifth homicide in the city of Petersburg that year.
Lewis was remembered as a gentle and beloved member of his community, cherished for his love for family and friends, as well as his wisdom and humility. In the wake of the shooting, investigators began searching for evidence and speaking with potential witnesses who were present during the incident. The Petersburg Police Department urged the public to come forward with any information that might lead to an understanding of what happened that fatal night.
Despite these immediate efforts, no suspects were identified in the initial stages of the investigation, and no arrests were made. Authorities called upon the community for assistance, hoping for a lead that would bring justice for Garris and his grieving family. Information regarding any subsequent developments, including the identification of suspects or any arrests in connection with the murder of Lewis Garris, has not been widely publicized, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved loss in the community. His funeral was held at the Harvest International Full Gospel Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest in Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.
