Authorities have concluded that the tragic death of twin 19-year-old brothers was a double suicide on Mount Georgia.
Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, hailing from Lawrenceville near Atlanta, were discovered on March 8th at a Bell Mountain summit in Hiawassee, about 90 miles from home, close to the North Carolina border.
The brothers had intended to travel to Boston on March 7th, hoping to meet friends. However, within 24 hours, they were found dead in a secluded location they had never been to, as their family noted.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced Wednesday that both deaths were ruled as suicides.
The announcement detailed, “The medical examiner’s autopsy results and other investigations led to the conclusion of suicide. GBI agents communicated these findings to the Lewis family.”
Mobile phone data traced the brothers’ movements from home to Bell Mountain, the GBI reported.
Videos corresponding to those locations depict the brothers alone.
On March 7th, Naazir traveled to the airport, but didn’t board a flight, while there were no tickets for Qaadir.
The GBI found records indicating that Naazir had purchased the ammunition used in the fatal incident, which arrived at his home on March 5th, although details on how the gun was obtained were not shared.
Internet history shows that both brothers looked up information about gun loading techniques, suicide statistics for 2024, and other disturbing topics.
Forensic evidence indicates they likely fired the fatal shot simultaneously, suggesting self-inflicted harm, according to the GBI.
The investigation into their deaths is expected to close in the coming weeks.
Scott Kerlin, a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter in Hiawassee, faced charges for allegedly obstructing a misdemeanor by taking and sharing images of the scene.
Initially, there were suspicions that the twins could have been involved in a murder-suicide, but their family strongly dismissed this theory.
Seeking further clarity, the family created a GoFundMe campaign to hire private investigators for the case.
“My nephew wouldn’t do something like this! They came from a loving family and had dreams of starting their own clothing line,” one family member expressed.
“Something happened in Bell Mountain,” she added.
The family has consistently sought answers about how the twins ended up in such a remote area.
“How did they get to the mountains? They didn’t hike there—they had no idea about Hiawassee or even Bell Mountain,” an uncle noted during an interview.
The family has yet to respond to recent inquiries for comment.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, you can contact 1-888-NYC-Well for free, confidential crisis counseling in New York City. If you are outside the city, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7 at 988.
