HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A mother grieving the loss of her son who was murdered by gunfire just blocks from home is now furious after learning the accused killer was released from custody after paying $5,000 merely four days after the homicide and before the family of the slain teen is able to hold a funeral service.
The 19-year-old victim, Patrick Lewis, was “fresh out of high school, beginning his life working at Amazon just trying to find his way,” his mother, Shayona Lewis, told FOX 26 Houston.
However, his life was snuffed out when Harris County Constable deputies say the teen was shot while inside his car. Alijah Williams, 17, is the accused shooting suspect. He was taken into custody at the scene and has since been charged with murder.
Williams’ bond was set at $50,000, and the alleged killer was released after posting just 10% of that amount — $5,000, FOX reported.
Harris County has a dubious reputation of releasing violent criminals on low bond or no bond, many of whom have gone on to commit homicides. Last year Law Officer reported that 69 defendants who had been released on multiple bonds went on to commit murder.
“You are never supposed to bury your child,” Shayona Lewis told FOX 26. “$5,000 — that’s all he had to pay to get out after I lost my son. He’s in the vicinity of my neighborhood, and you have calls saying they’ve seen him at McDonald’s. That’s something my son will never do again, so it’s disturbing.”
