A 65-year-old man from Georgia has been sentenced to life in prison without parole, along with an additional five years, for the murder of his ex-wife’s divorce attorney. The man also set fire to the victim’s office following the fatal shooting.
On December 7, 2022, authorities from the Lawrenceville Police Department and Gwinnett County Fire Department responded to a fire incident at the law office of Douglas Lewis. When they arrived, they discovered Lewis with multiple gunshot wounds to the head, one of which was immediately fatal.
Investigations revealed that the fire broke out after Lewis had already been fatally shot. It is believed that the perpetrator, Allen Tayeh, used gasoline to start the fire. Gas cans were allegedly found in Tayeh’s vehicle, which was parked next to Lewis’ car. Furthermore, Tayeh’s car keys were reportedly discovered near Lewis’ body inside the building, told Radar Online.
Tayeh was located in close proximity to the crime scene, with singed eyebrows, hair, and burns on his hands, legs, and face. He was found in possession of a .38 revolver.
Authorities determined that Lewis had been representing Tayeh’s ex-wife in their divorce trial. A judge had ordered Tayeh to pay Lewis’ attorney fees, which he had failed to do so. Consequently, the judge issued a notice for Tayeh to appear in court for contempt of court hearings related to his non-payment of the fees.
In February, a grand jury indicted Tayeh on multiple charges. Subsequently, on June 21, he pleaded guilty to malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, burglary, arson, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, criminal attempt to conceal a death, and tampering with evidence, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.
During sentencing, a judge imposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Tayeh, in addition to a five-year term.
The outcome of this case highlights the severe consequences of the defendant’s actions, which resulted in the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful resolution and respect for the legal process in matters of divorce and the associated legal proceedings.
