Funeral announced for teen killed by stray bullet at Gwinnett motel
Sheldon Lewis (Photo: Tomyia Lewis)
GWINNET COUNTY, Ga. - A Gwinnett County family is preparing to bury their loved one after losing the teen in a shockingly tragic way.
What we know:
17-year-old Sheldon Austin Lewis lost his life on Feb. 5 when a gun accidentally discharged in the motel room next to the one he was staying in with his family, police said.
His funeral service will be at 1 a.m. on Feb. 16 at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur. A burial will follow the service at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain, according to Lewis's obituary.
The backstory:
Lewis was playing video games in his room at the Live In Lodge on Stone Mountain Highway when, next door, the gun that 31-year-old Shermarcus Cockran was cleaning went off, Gwinnett County police explained.
The bullet traveled through the wall, striking Lewis, who died in his bed.
The family was staying at the motel due to financial hardships and witnessed the moment Lewis was hit.
"Like a phone call would've been easier to process, but actually witnessing it and him taking his last breaths was hard to see," Tomyia Lewis, Sheldon's sister, previously told FOX 5.
Lewis was a passionate young man who dreamed of becoming a chef one day and loved dancing, various sports, and gaming.
What you can do:
The family has organized a GoFundMe to raise money for Lewis's burial. To see the fundraiser, click here.
RELATED:
- Family witnesses teen die after being shot by stray bullet
- Teen killed by bullet fired through Gwinnett County motel room wall: 'Just playing a video game'
The Source: Information in this report comes from Scott Huskins Funeral and Cremation Services and prior FOX 5 reporting.