The tragic deaths of 19-year-old twin brothers, Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, found shot on Georgia’s Bell Mountain, have sparked heartache and controversy. While authorities initially labeled it a murder-suicide, the brothers’ family is pushing back hard against that assumption, demanding answers.
Mysterious Discovery on Bell Mountain
Hikers stumbled upon the brothers’ bodies on the morning of March 8, prompting a swift call to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly after, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) took over the case. Both young men were found with gunshot wounds.
A preliminary assessment pointed to a murder-suicide, though investigators have been careful to stress that the inquiry is ongoing. GBI confirmed autopsies were completed, but official results remain pending as forensic tests continue.
The family, however, isn’t convinced — and they’re making sure their voices are heard.
A Family in Shock
For those who knew the twins, the idea that one would harm the other is unimaginable. Their uncle, Rahim Brawner, described the boys as inseparable. “They’re very protective of each other. They love each other,” he told NBC-affiliate KSDK. “They’ve never even gotten into a fistfight.”
Adding to the confusion, the family believed the twins were on their way to Boston to visit friends. They had a 7 a.m. flight booked on March 8 — tickets still tucked in their wallets when their bodies were found less than 24 hours later. The family says the boys had never been to Bell Mountain or even heard of it.
“How did they end up out in the mountains? They don’t hike out there, they’ve never been out there,” Brawner questioned. “They don’t know anything about Hiawassee, Georgia. They never even heard of Bell Mountain, so how did they end up right there?”
Bell Mountain: A Remote, Unfamiliar Place
Bell Mountain sits near Georgia’s northern border with North Carolina, roughly 2.5 hours from Atlanta. It’s known for its scenic overlooks and rugged terrain — not exactly the kind of place you end up by accident.
The Lewis twins were from Lawrenceville, a suburb northeast of Atlanta. Family members say they had no known connections to the area.
GBI and the Towns County Sheriff’s Office have yet to offer any theories about how the boys got there. With no updates from authorities, the family’s uncertainty and grief continue to grow.
Family Fights for Answers
The boys’ aunt, Yasmine Brawner, voiced her heartbreak and skepticism. “To say they did this to each other? No. Something happened in those mountains, and we want answers.”
She launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, setting an initial goal of $20,000. Donations quickly surpassed that, reflecting the community’s support and shared disbelief. By Monday morning, contributions had exceeded $23,000.
In the fundraiser’s description, she reiterated the family’s stance: “My nephews wouldn’t do this!” She described them as hopeful young men with dreams of launching their own clothing line. “They came from a family of love,” she wrote. “Something happened at Bell Mountain that ended the lives of 19-year-old Qaadir and Naazir, which needs to be further investigated.”
A Case That Feels Far From Over
For now, the official story remains unchanged: a murder-suicide, pending further investigation. But the Lewis family — and an increasing number of supporters — aren’t buying it.
With more questions than answers, one thing is clear: this case is far from closed.
