Topline: Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances of the deaths.
Published: March 20, 2025 7:30 am ET
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Qaadir and Naazir Lewis (via GoFundMe)
HIAWASSEE, GA — Police have arrested a volunteer firefighter who allegedly shared photos he took of two teenage boys who were found dead with gunshot wounds.
According to a news release, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged Scott Kerlin, 42, of Hiawassee, with misdemeanor obstruction.
Investigators say Kerlin is a volunteer firefighter in Towns County who took photos of the bodies of two deceased teenagers and shared them publicly.
The bodies were twin brothers, Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, both 19, of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
They were found dead by hikers at the top of Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, Georgia, on March 8, 2025.
Both men were found with gunshot wounds.
According to the GBI, the preliminary investigation revealed the deaths appeared to be a murder suicide. However, officials noted that autopsy results are pending, and the death investigation is active and ongoing.
Authorities say the GBI medical examiner has completed the autopsies, but the official ME ruling and results are pending additional forensic tests.
The family of the Lewis twins publicly denied that the deaths were part of a murder suicide via a GoFundMe page.
“In recents new reports, it was claimed that they took their own lives. My nephews wouldn’t do this,” said page organizer Yasmine Brawner. “They came from a family of love, and twins wanted so much for their future, they had dreams of starting their very own clothing line.”
The page continues, “Unfortunately Something happened at Bell mountain that ended the lives of 19 year old Qaadir and Naazir, which needs to be further investigated.”
According to NBC affiliate WXIA, Kerling was reportedly fired from the fire department on March 14 for violating protocol.
Updates to this case will be posted as information is made available.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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GBI: Volunteer Firefighter Charged for Sharing Photos of Dead Teens Believed to Be Involved in Murder Suicide
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances of the deaths.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 20, 2025 7:30 am ET
Qaadir and Naazir Lewis (via GoFundMe)
HIAWASSEE, GA — Police have arrested a volunteer firefighter who allegedly shared photos he took of two teenage boys who were found dead with gunshot wounds.
According to a news release, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged Scott Kerlin, 42, of Hiawassee, with misdemeanor obstruction.
Investigators say Kerlin is a volunteer firefighter in Towns County who took photos of the bodies of two deceased teenagers and shared them publicly.
The bodies were twin brothers, Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, both 19, of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
They were found dead by hikers at the top of Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, Georgia, on March 8, 2025.
Both men were found with gunshot wounds.
According to the GBI, the preliminary investigation revealed the deaths appeared to be a murder suicide. However, officials noted that autopsy results are pending, and the death investigation is active and ongoing.
Authorities say the GBI medical examiner has completed the autopsies, but the official ME ruling and results are pending additional forensic tests.
The family of the Lewis twins publicly denied that the deaths were part of a murder suicide via a GoFundMe page.
“In recents new reports, it was claimed that they took their own lives. My nephews wouldn’t do this,” said page organizer Yasmine Brawner. “They came from a family of love, and twins wanted so much for their future, they had dreams of starting their very own clothing line.”
The page continues, “Unfortunately Something happened at Bell mountain that ended the lives of 19 year old Qaadir and Naazir, which needs to be further investigated.”
According to NBC affiliate WXIA, Kerling was reportedly fired from the fire department on March 14 for violating protocol.
Updates to this case will be posted as information is made available.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
GBI: Volunteer Firefighter Charged for Sharing Photos of Dead Teens Believed to Be Involved in Murder Suicide
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances of the deaths.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 20, 2025 7:30 am ET
Qaadir and Naazir Lewis (via GoFundMe)
HIAWASSEE, GA — Police have arrested a volunteer firefighter who allegedly shared photos he took of two teenage boys who were found dead with gunshot wounds.
According to a news release, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged Scott Kerlin, 42, of Hiawassee, with misdemeanor obstruction.
Investigators say Kerlin is a volunteer firefighter in Towns County who took photos of the bodies of two deceased teenagers and shared them publicly.
The bodies were twin brothers, Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis, both 19, of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
They were found dead by hikers at the top of Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, Georgia, on March 8, 2025.
Both men were found with gunshot wounds.
According to the GBI, the preliminary investigation revealed the deaths appeared to be a murder suicide. However, officials noted that autopsy results are pending, and the death investigation is active and ongoing.
Authorities say the GBI medical examiner has completed the autopsies, but the official ME ruling and results are pending additional forensic tests.
The family of the Lewis twins publicly denied that the deaths were part of a murder suicide via a GoFundMe page.
“In recents new reports, it was claimed that they took their own lives. My nephews wouldn’t do this,” said page organizer Yasmine Brawner. “They came from a family of love, and twins wanted so much for their future, they had dreams of starting their very own clothing line.”
The page continues, “Unfortunately Something happened at Bell mountain that ended the lives of 19 year old Qaadir and Naazir, which needs to be further investigated.”
According to NBC affiliate WXIA, Kerling was reportedly fired from the fire department on March 14 for violating protocol.
Updates to this case will be posted as information is made available.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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