New Info In Twins' Deaths Atop GA Mountain Released

HIAWASSEE, GA — The gun used to kill twin brothers atop Bell Mountain earlier in the year, gaining widespread attention, was stolen, CNN reported Thursday, citing the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's closed case file on the matter.

Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, 19, of Lawrenceville, were found dead from gunshot wounds around 11 a.m., March 8, on top of the Hiawassee, Towns County mountain, the GBI previously said. In May, the agency said the Lewises died by suicide, a claim rejected by family members.

This week, CNN reported obtaining the GBI's case file, which showed a 1911-style .45 caliber Garrison handgun and two spent shell casings were found at the scene between the legs of Naazir Lewis' lifeless body on the mountain, where family members said the brothers had never been.

The gun was reportedly stolen from Powder Springs. Naazir's girlfriend in Boston told authorities he had shown her a handgun via FaceTime, per CNN.

The GBI previously said Naazir bought the ammunition that was used in the gun and the ammunition was delivered to his home.

The twins had “contact-range” gunshot wounds to the right side of their heads, and they were found by a University of North Georgia student-hiker lying on their backs, the GBI said, per CNN.

The GBI previously said internet history from their cell phones displayed searches for loading a gun, 2024 suicide rates and related searches.

A search of Naazir Lewis' phone turned up videos titled, “What is it like getting shot at?!” and “Should You Shoot At An Angle," CNN reported.

The GBI previously claimed forensics showed the twins fired a gun. Other evidence included cell phone location data and videos that showed the twins were alone from the time they left their Gwinnett County home to the time they arrived at Bell Mountain.

On the mountain, a backpack carrying Qaadir Lewis' phone and notebook, along with a box of Nosler .45 caliber cartridges, was located, CNN reported. In the notebook was reportedly written, “Journey to the Afterlife."

Their deaths came the day after Naazir Lewis was supposed to travel to Boston to see his girlfriend; however, he missed the flight and was supposed to rebook for the next day — which never happened.

The family previously described the brothers as loving with a significant support system; but, Naazir Lewis' girlfriend reportedly told authorities he faced obstacles with his home life and had financial concerns due to his father's health.

The family has openly disagreed with the GBI's ruling of a double suicide.

“The main thing is the way the bodies were positioned … the way the gun was positioned," attorney Daryl Manns, representing the twin’s father, told CNN. "They looked staged. Those things to me were a red flag. They weren’t conducive to what you would consider a suicide situation.”

A Towns County volunteer firefighter accused of taking photos of the death scene and publicly sharing the images was arrested on charges of misdemeanor obstruction in March.

Bell Mountain, located about 5 miles from the Hiawassee town square, sits in Towns County near Lake Chatuge.

More information about the GBI case file found here.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 988. The Crisis Text Line can provide support through text messages by texting "HOME" to 741741.

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