On March 6, 2024, the Dothan Police Department received reports of a shooting in the 900 block of East Bunche Street. The first patrol officers arrived on scene within three minutes of being dispatched. When the first officer arrived, he located a female victim in the front yard of the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. According to eyewitnesses, the suspect of the shooting was observed running into the residence. While officers set up a perimeter around the residence, Dothan Fire Department Paramedics checked on the victim and determined she was deceased. Dothan High School was placed on soft lockdown until the situation could be resolved.
As officers had the residence surrounded, Crisis Negotiators arrived on scene and began trying to make contact with the suspect, who was believed to possibly be inside the residence. After about an hour with no contact, the Special Response Team forced open the front door. The Bomb and Explosive Detection Team utilized their robot to enter the residence. With a camera on the robot, team members were able to observe a male matching the suspect’s description in the residence who appeared to be deceased. The suspect was confirmed dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers entered.
The victim was identified as Reinetta Ann Lewis (62). The suspect was identified as her ex-husband, Ansel Lewis (67). The motive for the murder appears to be domestic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.
Further inquiries about the case can be forwarded to Lt. Owens.