Family Defends Twin Accused In Brother's Death
Sunday, March 2, 2008 6:00 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Days after Dennis Lewis was fatally shot during a home robbery on the city’s north side, police
arrested his twin brother in connection with the slaying.
Stay with 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
On Sunday, the Lewis family spoke publicly about the case during an anti-violence workshop in
the North Linden neighborhood, 10TV’s Angela An reported.
The family spoke as Dennis Lewis’ twin brother, Derris, remained in custody at the Franklin
County Juvenile Detention Center on delinquency counts of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and
kidnapping.
With tears in her eyes, the mother of Dennis and Derris Lewis said there was no way her son
killed his brother.
“They are identical twins,” said April Lewis. “He would have never done that. Jesus, he knows
my son didn’t do this.”
Other family members, including the twins’ aunt, said that police have the case wrong.
“He’s innocent and we want him freed,” said Paula Lewis. “The family is 100 percent with
Derris. We will not leave him. We will never leave him. He’s a wonderful child and he’s coming
home.”
According to a search warrant, a bloody palm print found inside the Loretta Avenue home was
matched to Derris Lewis, An reported.
A crime lab identified the print as his right palm, An reported.
When asked about the print, the Lewis brothers’ sister said it showed up after police cleared
the home and allowed family back inside.
“(Derris) lived there,” said Diane Lewis. “He used to stay there. I mean, you have to know
that. They’re twins. Like I said, he wouldn’t hurt an ant.”
“So if they got any palm prints from cleaning his brother’s blood, then that’s about it. That’s
all they got,” Diane Lewis said.
The Lewis family said they hope to learn more during a hearing next week when it will be
decided whether Derris Lewis will be tried on adult charges.
Stay with 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
©2008 by 10TV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.