Villa Shooting Victim Omari Lewis to Be Buried Today

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Villa Shooting Victim Omari Lewis to Be Buried Today

Family members, friends and residents from across Antigua and Barbuda are expected to gather today to bid farewell to Omari Lewis, the teenager whose death in a Villa shooting earlier this year sent shockwaves through the nation.

Lewis will be laid to rest following a funeral service scheduled for 2 p.m. at Beacon Light Nazarene Church.

The 17-year-old died on March 26, 2026, just days before what would have been his 18th birthday on March 30. His killing sparked widespread mourning and renewed debate over gun violence and the growing number of young lives being lost to violent crime.

In the weeks following the fatal shooting, tributes poured in from relatives, classmates, friends and community members, many describing Lewis as a young man with his whole future ahead of him.

A funeral notice released by loved ones described his life as “a blessing” and his memory as “a treasure,” reflecting the deep grief still being felt by those closest to him.

Today’s service is expected to draw large crowds as the community comes together not only to celebrate Lewis’ life, but also to support a grieving family still struggling to cope with the tragedy.

His death remains one of several recent incidents that have intensified public concern over violent crime in Antigua and Barbuda, particularly incidents involving young people.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/05/07/villa-shooting-victim-omari-lewis-to-be-buried-today. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Cory Wayland

About the author

Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (9)

  • Elise Banker May 7, 2026, 1:22 PM

    This story has stayed with a lot of people since the day it happened. A 17-year-old boy losing his life just days before his 18th birthday is the kind of tragedy that shakes an entire nation. No family should have to experience this level of pain, and no community should become so familiar with burying young people.
    Reply
  • Dacy May 7, 2026, 1:23 PM

    Life is so fragile. One moment everything normal and the next everything changes forever.
    Reply
    • Brenda wallace May 7, 2026, 1:32 PM

      What happened to the people who were in custody? I feel as if the story died when they died because that not making sence. Two pelple arrested and everything went silent. Smh. Sometimes police seem to be happy to get rid of them.uoung boys
      Reply
  • Informed citizen May 7, 2026, 1:43 PM

    Antigua.news we appreciate the update but please we need an update on the death. We heard gaston browne saying is not a drive by…so what is it; I hate the nonesence
    Reply
  • Lest we forget May 7, 2026, 3:38 PM

    Murder suicide…but the police hiding it
    Reply
  • Apex Jones May 7, 2026, 4:41 PM

    Murder suicide
    Reply
  • UnCONcerned Antiguan Citizen May 8, 2026, 6:10 AM

    So What If A Killer Gone Go Meet His Other Killers!!!! Me No Sorry Much Less Care Bout Them Bwoy Deh!! Petty Gun Man Gets No Love From Me!!!
    Reply
  • UnCONcernedAntiguanCitizen May 8, 2026, 6:11 AM

    So What If A Killer Gone Go Meet His Other Killers!!!! Me No Sorry Much Less Care Bout Them Bwoy Deh!! Petty Gun Man Gets No Love From Me!!!
    Reply
  • UnCONcernedAntiguanCitizen May 8, 2026, 6:17 AM

    At Least He And The Other Dunce 16 Yr Old That Lose His Life In Sutherlands, When Them Go Rob The Shop, Can’t Terrorize Villa No More!
    I BET HIS PARENTS ARE PROUD OF HIM NOW!!!
    Reply

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