Suspect in deadly Columbia shooting seeks to get out of jail over COVID-19 concerns
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The suspect in a deadly shooting outside of a Columbia nightclub wants out of jail amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this week, the attorney for Curtis Allen Lewis asked for an emergency hearing to let him out of jail.
The motion said, in part, that Lewis should be released because he could be exposed to the virus.
The motion claims Lewis cannot practice social distancing or safe hygiene because of the jail's high population.
According to the motion, he also "could have been exposed to COVID-19 previous to the change in visitation and with new inmates coming into the population daily who are possibly not tested or appropriately quarantined."
The motion goes on to say that Lewis also has no prior felony convictions.
Lewis is charged with voluntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with the Feb. 2 shooting that killed Tershawn Kitchen, 34.
According to a probable cause statement, Lewis told officers he was the shooter and handed them a loaded handgun. He also allegedly told officers he was punched directly before the shooting.
Assistant Prosecutor Susan Boresi said she will oppose Lewis' request.
A hearing is set for April 6.
