On October 1, 2019, at 12:16 p.m., Lake Charles police responded to gunfire at the Fairview Crossing Apartments on 5th Avenue and found 18-year-old Paulden James Lewis shot. Paramedics transported him to a hospital; he died of his injuries the next day, October 2, 2019.

Paulden, known to family as Tabby or Tabu, was born August 7, 2001. He had graduated from the National Guard Youth Challenge Program in 2018 and worked for a construction company. He enjoyed reading, particularly the Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. His family announced that he was an organ donor and that donations from him saved two lives.

Investigators quickly identified suspects. On the morning of October 2, Lake Charles Police SWAT arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Devon Richard; he was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and the charge was upgraded after Paulden died. Additional arrests followed, bringing five people into custody in connection with the shooting.

If anyone has information about Paulden, his movements that day, or the Fairview Crossing Apartments, please come forward to assist the investigation.