Authorities in Georgia have determined that the deaths of twin 19-year-old brothers found shot on a mountain were a double suicide.
The bodies of Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis were discovered at the summit of Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, about 90 miles away from their home in Lawrenceville.
The brothers had planned to visit friends in Boston but were found dead a day later in a remote area they had never been to before.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), both deaths have been officially ruled as suicides based on autopsy results and investigative findings.
Cellular data from the brothers’ phones showed their movements from home to Bell Mountain, where they were seen alone in corresponding videos.
Naazir was observed heading to the airport on March 7 but did not board his flight, while Qaadir did not have a ticket.
The GBI found that Naazir purchased the ammunition used in the fatal shots, which arrived at his home on March 5.
Both brothers had searched online for information on loading a gun, suicide rates, and related topics before the incident.
Forensic evidence indicated that the brothers simultaneously fired the fatal shots, which were self-inflicted.
Despite initial suspicions of murder-suicide, the investigation concluded that the deaths were suicides.
A volunteer firefighter was charged with obstruction for taking photos of the scene, and the family raised funds for a private investigator to look into the case.
The family expressed disbelief at the suicide ruling and called for further investigation into the circumstances of the brothers’ deaths.
If you are in crisis, call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential counseling. For the National Suicide Prevention hotline, dial 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
