BREAKING UPDATE: Larry Fitzgerald Williams Arrested in Connection to the Homicide of Brian Lewis in Beaumont, TX
Beaumont, TX – After an intensive manhunt spanning several days, Larry Fitzgerald Williams, 54, was taken into custody early Monday morning in Houston, Texas, by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division. The arrest was made in collaboration with Houston Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service. Williams was apprehended without incident and is now awaiting extradition back to Jefferson County, where he will face charges in the deadly shooting of Brian Lewis, 51, which occurred in Beaumont on Saturday, June 21.
Not a Random Act – Victim Was a Cooperating Witness
According to lead investigators, this tragic incident is believed to have been deliberate and targeted. Preliminary findings suggest that Williams specifically targeted Lewis, who was reportedly cooperating in a criminal case against Williams. While the investigation remains ongoing, detectives have indicated that this was not a random act of violence, but rather a calculated attack designed to silence a witness.
“This wasn’t a chance encounter,” a detective close to the case stated. “It was a targeted act of retaliation. The victim was actively participating in a criminal case involving the suspect.”
ORIGINAL INCIDENT – Saturday, June 21, 2025
At approximately 1:44 PM on Saturday, Beaumont Police officers responded to an emergency call in the 1900 block of Delaware Street. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, Brian Lewis, lying on his front lawn, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He had been mowing his yard when he was shot in broad daylight by a lone assailant.
Eyewitnesses described the shooter as a heavyset Black male wearing a dark-colored helmet, light-colored pants, and blue gloves. The shooter fled the scene on a motorcycle, heading westbound on Delaware Street.
Despite rapid response from Beaumont EMS, Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Murder Warrant Issued – Saturday Evening Update
By 9:45 PM on Saturday night, Beaumont Police had identified Larry Fitzgerald Williams as the primary suspect in the murder of Brian Lewis. An arrest warrant for murder was promptly issued based on substantial leads and witness statements gathered throughout the day. Detectives believed that Williams had fled the area and began coordinating with state and federal law enforcement agencies to track him down.
The cooperation between law enforcement agencies — including Jefferson County SO, Houston PD, and U.S. Marshals — ultimately led to Williams’ apprehension two days later in Houston.
Public Assistance Still Needed
While the suspect has been captured, investigators continue to collect evidence and piece together the full chain of events leading up to the homicide. Authorities are asking anyone who may have video surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, or direct knowledge of the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts before the arrest to contact the Beaumont Police Department at 409-832-1234 or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 833-TIPS (8477).
All information can be submitted anonymously.
A Community in Mourning
The murder of Brian Lewis has sent shockwaves through the Beaumont community. Known as a quiet, hardworking man, Lewis was simply doing yard work at his own home when his life was violently cut short. His senseless death has raised concerns about witness safety and the boldness of violent retaliation in active criminal cases.
Community leaders have begun organizing vigils and calling for increased protection for those assisting law enforcement. Friends, family, and neighbors have expressed heartbreak, describing Lewis as a man who “always minded his business” and “took care of his home and family.”
Justice in Progress
With Williams now in custody, the justice system begins its next chapter in holding him accountable for the murder of Brian Lewis. Authorities have vowed to pursue full prosecution and bring closure to the victim’s family.
More updates will be provided as the investigation continues.