UPDATE: Formal Charges Filed Against Suspect in Double-Murder Case

07/24/2002
Formal charges were been filed against Damien C. Lewis, 22, on July 18, 2002 for the murders of George "Pete" Wallace and Wyonna Chandlee on July 10, 2002. At Lewis' July 24, 2002 preliminary hearing, his bond was not changed from $900,000 in the murder case, and $75,000 in the aggravated robbery case. Damien is still in custody, and another preliminary hearing is set for both cases on Sept. 3, 2002 at 9:00am. Lewis is charged with Capital Murder, Murder in the First Degree, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, and Burglary and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Lewis is also charged in a different case with Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Formal charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. <b>Case Information</b> <li>02CR1256 the Aggravated Robbery/Possession of Marijuana</li> <li>02CR1268 the Homicide/Aggravated Robbery</li> This is the first Capital Murder case filed in Douglas County since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1994. Douglas County District Attorney Christine Kenney would like to commend the Lawrence Police Department investigators for their dedication and hard work in solving this case.

Related Links:
Douglas County District Attorney's Office - http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/da/da_home.aspx
Lawrence Police Department website - http://www.lawrencepolice.org
Lawrence Police Dept. News Releases - http://www.lawrencepolice.org/press.html

Media Contact:
Judicial & Law Enforcement Center
District Attorney's Office
(785) 841-0211
info@douglas-county.com