A Georgia divorce lawyer was found dead after a client's ex-husband objected to her case.
The Gwinnett County Family Doug Lewis are mourning a great loss after learning his life was tragically taken in what authorities are calling “outrageous” and “out of the blue,” according to 11Alive. Allen TayehHis ex-wife filed for divorce last year and hired Lewis as her lawyer – but apparently something was wrong with the 65-year-old divorcée as he brutally took matters into his own hands.
Investigators allege that around 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Tayeh entered Lewis' Lawrenceville law office and shot the attorney multiple times before pouring gasoline throughout the office and setting it on fire. The violent suspect then attempted to flee the scene, but a witness at the scene who saw smoke coming from the building called 911 and led them to Tayeh, who the police lieutenant said was covered in incriminating evidence Jake Parker in a statement on Thursday:
“The arrested suspect actually had injuries consistent with being in or near the fire, he had burns on his pants and singed hair.”
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He continued:
“He had a gun with him. a revolver whose cartridges were used up in the cylinders.”
Regarding the burned crime scene, in addition to the discovery of Lewis' remains, Lieutenant Parker added:
“There were also gas cans and there was a smell of gas in the area.”
Truly a crime of passion. According to Fox5Atlanta, Tayeh and his ex-wife are apparently scheduled to appear in court again next week.
Lawyer Phil McCurdyBoth Lewis' legal opponent and his co-counsel remembered his late colleague in a statement on Thursday:
“I will miss him. He had a great sense of humor and a very quick wit. Doug was a consummate gentleman. I never heard him raise his voice, I never saw him lose his temper.” I never saw him treat anyone with anything other than respect…I don't know anyone who didn't respect him as a colleague, as a professional and as a human being.”
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Community member Kristina Weaverwhose children grew up with Lewis' ball, explained:
“I saw him at Dacula Park all the time and he was just the nicest guy. He was the nicest guy…He's particularly well known in the family court community. I think he mostly dealt with divorce cases and things like that…It's just really sad.”
So heartbreaking. The tragedy seems to be felt throughout the community. In addition, the lawyer's long-time friend and former partner, Jesse Kent11Alive said in an email Thursday evening:
“Doug was a dedicated family man who valued his wife and children. Rarely did a day go by when he didn't mention her or how proud he was of her. Doug was a joy to be with; He was the standard to which all lawyers, including myself, aspire. His absence was felt the moment he left us and the legal profession will never be the same without him.”
Further information (below):
Tayeh was fully booked Gwinnett County Jail He was charged early Thursday morning with two counts of murder and arson. Lewis' legacy will live on for many years to come. Rest in peace.
[Images via Lawrenceville Police Department & 11Alive/YouTube]