Esther LaFayette Lewis served in the U.S. Army.
Deputy Lewis was shot and killed at approximately 6:15 pm as he attempted to take a man into custody for shooting his estranged wife's dog.
As he was arresting the suspect on Highway 15-A near Fayetteville, the man drew a concealed handgun and shot Deputy Lewis four times, and then fled the scene.
The suspect was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life on January 19, 1951. He was sent to the Dorothea Dix Mental Hospital in Raleigh, where he escaped a few days later. He was recaptured in Seattle, Washington, by FBI agents on December 23, 1955. He was paroled on February 8, 1982.
Deputy Lewis was a United States Army veteran of World War I.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Lewis served with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Fayetteville community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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