The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will soon be closing its case involving 19-year-old twin brothers found shot to death atop Bell Mountain in March, with an official determination that their fatal injuries were self-inflicted.
On Wednesday, May 21, GBI announced the conclusion of its “comprehensive investigation” into the tragic deaths of Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, both of Gwinnett County.
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“Based on the results of the medical examiner’s autopsy and other investigative findings, their deaths have been ruled suicide-suicide. GBI agents have met with the Lewis family to share the findings,” GBI said.
As background, family members believed the brothers had taken an out-of-state flight on March 7, but hikers found the men deceased on Bell Mountain in Hiawassee – about 90 miles north of their Lawrenceville home – on Saturday, March 8.
Initially, the GBI said it was investigating the situation as a “murder-suicide,” but the evidence in the case brought investigators to the conclusion that “the injuries causing their deaths were self-inflicted.” GBI shared some of this evidence last week.
“Cellular location data has established a timeline of their location from their home in Gwinnett County to Bell Mountain,” GBI said. “In the video that corresponds to those locations, the Lewis brothers are seen alone.
“Only one brother (Naazir) went to the airport on March 7, 2025. He never caught the flight and returned home. Records show Naazir is the only person that had an airline ticket.
“Records show Naazir purchased ammunition used in the gun. The ammunition was delivered to his home on March 5, 2025.
“Internet history from their phones showed searches for how to load a gun, suicide rates in 2024, and other related searches.
“Forensic evidence showed that the Lewis brothers fired a gun.”
Once the investigation is formally ended in the coming weeks, GBI will be releasing a copy of the investigative file via its Records Request Center at https://gbi.georgia.gov.
EDITOR’S NOTE – In the U.S., the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. The Georgia Crisis & Access Line is available as well 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-715-4225.
