15-Year-Old Charged as Adult in Fort Lauderdale Murder Case
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a shocking turn of events, a 15-year-old boy has been charged as an adult by the Broward State Attorney’s Office in connection with the murder of Stefano Barbosa, a 37-year-old real estate agent. The incident occurred on February 1, when the teenager allegedly kidnapped Barbosa during a robbery that ended in tragedy.
Background of the Case
The suspect, identified as Henry Lee Lewis, had only recently turned 15 on December 19. He was a student at Cross Creek School in Pompano Beach when he became embroiled in this serious criminal accusation. Prosecutors assert that Lewis is directly responsible for the brutal death of Barbosa, who was respected in the local community and well-educated, holding two degrees from Pennsylvania State University.
Charges Faced
Lewis is facing grave charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Armed robbery
Decision to Charge as an Adult
The decision to charge Lewis as an adult did not come easily for Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor. In his statement, Pryor expressed that the issues surrounding Lewis are profound, requiring a level of treatment and services that the juvenile justice system may not be able to provide adequately.
“This young person’s issues are so significant that they require treatment, help, and services beyond what the juvenile justice system can provide at this time,” Pryor noted.
Juvenile vs. Adult Charges
If the case were handled in the juvenile system, Lewis would be eligible for release once he turns 18, with a maximum residential treatment period of 36 months. Consequently, the choice to prosecute him as an adult aims for a more stringent form of justice.
Sequence of Events
Incident Details
According to Detective Orlando Almanzar, surveillance footage captured the disturbing sequence of events. Here’s a breakdown of what transpired on that fateful afternoon:
- 4:20 PM: Lewis allegedly kidnapped Barbosa outside of a home located on Northwest 15th Terrace.
- 4:40 PM: Barbosa was coerced into making two $500 withdrawals from a Bank of America ATM before he was fatally shot by Lewis, who brandished a firearm.
Aftermath of the Shooting
Following the shooting, police found Barbosa deceased, with the BMW he was driving crashing into a palm tree. Evidence revealed that Lewis fled the scene on foot, leading to an extensive investigation.
Identification and Arrest
Detectives utilized confidential informants to identify Lewis, who was apprehended shortly after on unrelated charges. During the investigation, a cell phone belonging to Lewis was taken, which played a crucial role in confirming his presence at the crime scenes on the day of the murder.
Key Evidence
- Surveillance footage confirming the kidnapping and robbery.
- Cell phone data indicating searches related to the incident, including a news story titled, “Man shot multiple times crashes car into front yard of Fort Lauderdale home before dying.”
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved when minors commit serious crimes. With Lewis being charged as an adult, the community watches closely as it grapples with the implications of youth violence and justice.
For more on juvenile crime and its implications, visit Juvenile Justice Resources.
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