It appears to be a journey from juvenile crime, to wanting to contribute to his community…
One of the candidates rolled out by the One Bermuda Alliance yesterday – Kellan Lewis – was imprisoned for his role in the killing of 18-year-old Kellon Hill in August 2008.
Mr Hill died following an altercation in which a group of teens reportedly set upon him, and he was fatally stabbed.
Five teens were charged but only Kellan Lewis, who was 16 at the time of the killing, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2010.
He was given a 12-year sentence, and released in December 2014.
Mr Lewis will stand in Constituency 32: Southampton West, currently held by the PLP’s Scott Simmons.
In prison, Mr Lewis wrote ‘Street Philosophy’, a book about the mindset that can lead young people into crime.
In February 2020, Mr Lewis told an audience at the National Library about his experiences.
A Royal Gazette article reports that his book chronicles a spiral into crime leading to “glorification”, increasing trouble with the law, and ultimately standing trial for murder at the age of 16.
The RG article reports that Mr Lewis told his audience, including then-Commissioner of Corrections Lt Col Edward Lamb, that crime “comes down to one thing — money”.
Mr Lewis said at the time he was often asked to share his story with young people.
He has also supported young rappers through his company, Rawyal Family Management.
Yesterday, Kellan Lewis was among nine OBA candidates announced to stand in the February 18th General Election.
Set to contest Constituency 32, Southampton West, Mr Lewis was not present when OBA Leader Jarion Richardson announced his candidacy.
The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative responded to our story about Mr Lewis’ candidacy.
The organization stated, “Mr. Lewis’s decision to transform his life and his decision to put himself forward to serve his community should be commended.”
“Since his release from prison well over a decade ago, he has done amazing work on himself and for our community.”
“He was held accountable, served his time, and is now seeking to make a meaningful contribution to society – he is the quintessential example of what we should hope will happen to all young who go through a broken system that prioritizes shame and punishment over rehabilitation.”
OBA Leader Jarion Richardson has affirmed his party’s support of Kellan Lewis as candidate for C32. Read more HERE.
