SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

UPDATE:

Son Arrested for the Murder of Elderly Mother in Milton

Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Investigators have arrested a Milton man for the murder of his elderly mother. David Jeffery Lewis (56 years old) was arrested this afternoon after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest for the charge of murder. Lewis was already in custody since yesterday afternoon on an unrelated charge. Family members of the victim told investigators that the victim had always secured and locked her home and would never answer the door for a stranger. There were no signs of forced entry and the inside of the residence appeared to be in order. The continuing investigation led to David Lewis providing information to investigators concerning the murder of his mother. Lewis told investigators that he and his mother constantly argued and that the victim "treated him like a 12 year old". Lewis admitted to deputies that he "snapped" and "cut her throat with a knife" while they were standing on the front porch of the victim's residence. Lewis then returned to his home down the road. The victim was found a short time later by family members.

Lewis is currently being held at the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond. A current photograph of Lewis is attached.

UPDATE:

Sheriff's Investigators continue to investigate the murder of an 86 year old Milton woman. This afternoon, a search warrant was issued by a judge to be executed at the home of David Jeffery Lewis (56 years old) who resides at 3271 Lewis Road . David Lewis is the son of the victim. David Lewis had an outstanding warrant that was issued this morning by a judge for a felony driving offense that occurred during mid September. David Lewis was arrested late this afternoon on the felony driving offense and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail. David Lewis is being considered as a person of interest in the homicide of Bonnie Lewis. Although David Lewis is considered a person of interest, an arrest has not been made due to the investigation requiring the further analyzation of forensic evidence. David Lewis is currently being held at the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond. No further details are being released at this time. A photograph of David Lewis is attached to this email.

Elderly Milton Found Murdered in Her Home

Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Investigators are investigating a homicide that occurred on Lewis Road in Milton last night. Shortly after 8:30 pm on September 30th, deputies were dispatched to 3290 Lewis Road in Milton in reference to a medical emergency call. Family members of the 86 year old female victim (identified as Bonnie Lewis) arrived at the above listed location and found Lewis slumped over in a chair in her living room. When deputies arrived, they found that Lewis was deceased and the apparent victim of a homicide. Investigators are not releasing any information concerning the evidence that was located or the apparent cause of death. Lewis lived at the residence alone. Although they are not releasing details due to the nature of the investigation, investigators do not believe that Lewis was the victim of a random act of violence. Investigators have conducted numerous interviews; however an arrest has not been made. Investigators will continue to pursue leads and investigate this case and more information will be released as it becomes available. No other information will be released at this time.

David J. Lewis (below)

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net