Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Authorities looking for masked and armed men involved in a home invasion and homicide say they have reason to believe they have ties to southern Ohio.

On Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at approximately 1:30 a.m., a home invasion in the North Linden area of Columbus, resulted in a homicide. A group of three to five masked and armed men forced their way into the Lewis residence at 1161 Loretta Avenue. The men woke up the family and began making demands.

After seeing one of the intruders threaten his mother, 17 year-old Denis Lewis struggled with one of the intruders. One the men shot Denis. The men then fled in an unknown direction. Denis Lewis died as a result of his injuries.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a $7,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest/or indictment of the persons responsible for this crime. It is believed that the individuals responsible have ties to southern Ohio and there may be individuals in the area Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers serves possessing specific information related to that crime.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS (8477), text message 72008; Keyword: TIP, or e-mail www.stopcrime.org. Information may also be submitted to Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers by calling 740-773-TIPS (8477), 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text message 274637; Keyword: LOWDOWN, or you may submit a tip online at www.southernohiocrimestoppers.com.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com.