NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) — The man convicted of killing 17-year-old Garon Lewis in 2019 will likely never see the light of day again.

Bryson Johnlewis was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence on the charge of principal to second degree murder by the 16th Judicial District Court on Tuesday.

Johnlewis was convicted of the crime Sept. 30. He was also convicted of conspiracy to commit second degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 30 years and 20 years, respectively. Those sentences will be imposed consecutively, or one after another.

Lewis’ father, Raymond “Shoe-Do” Lewis, talked about his relief that a sentencing was finally given.

“I’ve been through a storm. We’ve been through a storm, you know, and, you know, thank god at least we got this one done,” said Shoe-Do Lewis.

On Aug. 16, 2019, Lewis went to pick up his girlfriend with intentions of taking her out on a date. While waiting in his car, Lewis was shot in the head, and authorities found his body in his still-running vehicle. Investigators said Johnlewis and others mistakenly believed that Lewis was a rival gang member and that they conspired to kill him based on that mistaken belief.

Lewis was the son of former Iberia Parish politician and current Iberia Parish school board member Raymond Shoe-Do Lewis.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Latest news

• Kaplan welcomes tourists from sister city, Hannut, Belgium

• Letter reveals what soldier from ‘Saving Private Ryan’ left at Normandy

• City marshals gather to discuss safety improvements when serving warrants

• Acadiana Eats: Mikey’s Donut King in Opelousas

• Vacant house heavily damaged by Lafayette fire Thursday

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.