Elizabeth Bennett Lewis: Daughter made frantic 911 call to report stepdad was firing at mom
Elizabeth Bennett Lewis, the daughter of prominent educational czar Tony Bennett, was shot dead at her Indiana home on Monday, April 4, in front of her 11-year-old daughter. Police identified the shooter as her husband, Mac Lewis, who fled the scene soon after shooting Elizabeth in the face, but was later apprehended on a state road. He has been charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal recklessness with a firearm.
Police said the Elizabeth's 11-year-old daughter and her 10-year-old friend "were inside the house and in close proximity to Lewis during the shooting." Lewis is not the girl's biological father, cops said.
"Multiple gunshots were found throughout several rooms and areas in the residence. The initial 911 caller of this incident was Ms. Lewis’s child; she had called while Mac Lewis was still actively firing his gun throughout the house and ultimately shooting and killing her mother," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
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Frantic 911 call
Authorities said the distraught 11-year-old girl, who has not been named, frantically called 911 even as her mother was being murdered by her stepdad.
“The initial 911 caller of this incident was Ms. Lewis’s child; she had called while Mac Lewis was still actively firing his gun throughout the house and ultimately shooting and killing her mother,” the police statement said.
Elizabeth, a nurse, was found dead with several gunshot wounds when sheriff's deputies arrived at the home in the 11000 block of Forrest Hill Circle.
Larry Wilder, a representative of the Lewis family, told the New York Post, "The Bennett family has asked that they be given a moment alone to grieve the loss of Lizzie to this senseless act of violence. They ask that everyone take a moment to recall her as an amazing mother, a devoted sister and a beloved daughter."
"Lizzie gave her short life to caring and helping others. Her choice of becoming a nurse was just an extension of her desire to make the world a better place for everyone. She will be missed by her two children, her family and everyone that knew and loved her," Wilder stated.
"This just a very emotional, horrible, tragic thing," said Wilder who has known the family for long. "I knew Lizzie (Elizabeth), I know the kids... So it's tough."
Lewis's first court appearance was Monday morning and he is being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on April 6.
Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Jeremy T. Mull reacted to the judge’s ruling and said: “You have young girls who were involved in this matter, who were in the home when this occurred. They are obviously traumatized by what happened. Part of the charges that will be filed will relate to what occurred as it relates to them. Due to all of those circumstances, it was important that the no bond be entered in this case.”