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Shooter believed to be among the four found dead in Orange home on New Year's Day, family says

Relatives tell 12News Lester Lewis killed family members, then himself. Police have not yet confirmed that he was the shooter.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Police in Orange are investigating the shooting deaths of four people Monday morning at a home on the city’s east side.

On Jan. 1, 2024 at 7:50 a.m., officers with the Orange Police Department were sent to the 2400 block of North 8th St. in reference to a shooting. 

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from a Jan. 1, 2024 newscast.) 

When officers arrived, they found four people dead inside the home from gunshot wounds, according to a news release from the Orange Police Department. 

Orange Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Jenkins pronounced the four victims dead and autopsy's have been ordered. 

The victims found dead were later identified as: 

  • Janiya Lewis, 17, of Orange
  • Porsha Kiel, 34 of Orange
  • Bobby Kiel, 53 of Orange
  • Lester Lewis, 33 of San Augustin

The deaths are being investigated as homicides according to police, who say that there is currently no danger to the public as this is an isolated incident. 

Sergeant Isaac T. Henry III with the Orange Police Department tells 12News they believe the gunman is one of the four dead.

Relatives tell 12News Lester Lewis killed family members, then himself. Police have not yet confirmed that he was the shooter.

Lester Lewis has a lengthy criminal history. State records reveal Nacogdoches police had arrested Lewis six times.

He also pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury to a family member and served six months in jail, three separate times.

Credit: Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office

It wasn't until around 12 p.m. Monday when police obtained a search warrant to enter the home and begin the investigation.

The relationship between victims has not yet been confirmed by authorities. 

"First thing we want to send is our condolences to the family on New Years. So it's just a tough way to start off the New Year and anytime you have an investigation to this magnitude, it's tough for the community, it's tough for the family, it's tough for officers," Capt. Jonathan Baggett said. 

While the investigation was underway, friends and family gathered behind the yellow crime scene tape.

Janiya Lewis was a student at Little Cypress Mauriceville. She had been there for around a month.

Neighbors tell 12News alongside with the family, they're hurting.

Chris Enard lives across the street.

"I don't have words right now," Enard said. "I came off of work about 2' o clock in the morning and cop knocked on my door. He was like did you hear any gunshots at like 8' o clock in the morning. I was like yeah I've been hearing fire crackers and stuff go off."

He's known the Kiel family for over 20 years.

"About 9' o clock I saw the yellow tape and I was like man what the hell happened," he said. "Bobby goes to work everyday, he works hard always kept his year straight. I just thought everything was good. They barbecue on Sundays with the family." 

Another neighbor says he found out what happened after asking family members, who had crowded in the yard and streets near the home. 

"I just feel bad that's my neighbor and we are human so of course we feel bad," the neighbor said. "It was hurtful, it really was. It just crushes you."

"This is not a good way to start the new year off. I'm actually moving out of here in the middle of this month and this is the last thing I wanted to see,"  Enard said.

From an Orange Police Department news release:

On Monday, January 01, 2024, at 7:50 A.M., officers with the City of Orange Police Department were dispatched to 2406 North 8th Street in reference to a shooting.  Upon arrival, it was discovered that four subjects were deceased inside the residence from apparent gunshot wounds.  Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Jenkins later arrived on scene, pronounced the four subjects deceased, and ordered autopsy’s to be completed.  This case is currently being investigated by the City of Orange Criminal Investigation Division.  Although this is an active homicide investigation, the City of Orange Police Department is confident that this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.  As the investigation continues additional information will be released. The following decedents are identified as Janiya Lewis, 17 of Orange, Porsha Kiel, 34 of Orange, Bobby Kiel, 53 of Orange and Lester Lewis, 33 of San Augustine

This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.

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