Man arrested for roommate’s murder in Lawrence
LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — Police believe a man killed his roommate and dumped his body near Fort Harrison State Park.
Dawaun Lewis, 25, faces one count of murder for the death of 43-year-old William Romero.
Lewis is accused of killing Romero on or around March 12. Romero’s body was found March 17 near Trilobi Drive and Lee Road near the northeast corner of Fort Harrison State Park.
Police said the body was covered by leaves and was discovered by a person walking their dog in a wooded area.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office determined Romero died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
According to court documents, Romero was last seen alive early on the morning of March 12 as he and Lewis left the McDonald’s on East 96th Street in Fishers where they both worked.
In the days following Romero’s death, his Nissan Altima was seen driving around near the McDonald’s. Police learned that Lewis was the person driving the car. Lewis was detained for questioning March 21.
During a search of the apartment the two men shared on Wheel Estates East Drive in Lawrence, police found blood spatter on a wall next to the couch and a .22 caliber handgun in a closet, court papers say. Police also found dried blood inside Romero’s Nissan.
Lab analysis of the blood found in the Nissan was confirmed to be Romero’s. His DNA was also found on the front sight and muzzle of the handgun found in the apartment’s closet, according to police.
Court papers say Lewis’ DNA was found on the trigger and other parts of the handgun and on a box of ammunition that was in closet.
Cell phone data acquired by police showed that early on the morning of March 12, both men’s cellphones were in the area of Triboli Drive and Lee Road where Romero’s body was later found, court papers say.
A motive for the murder has not been established.
An initial hearing is set for April 19.
