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.