News Summary
Investigations reveal that Kristopher Lewis, a federal witness found dead in Lexington, was murdered in a targeted hit by the street gang The Hot Boyz. Initially presented as an accidental death, new evidence suggests Lewis was killed to prevent his cooperation with law enforcement in an upcoming trial. Key suspect Quincino Lamont Waide Jr. faces charges related to the murder, with ties to other violent gang activities in the area raising public safety concerns.
Lexington, Kentucky – The murder of Kristopher Lewis, a federal witness, has been identified as a targeted hit organized by the street gang known as The Hot Boyz, according to new court documents. Lewis, 28, was found dead on Trade Street in September 2023, between two warehouses close to Alexandria Drive.
Initially, authorities suggested that Lewis’ death followed an altercation with an unknown suspect. However, emerging evidence has reclassified the incident as an overt assassination. At the time of his murder, Lewis was facing serious drug charges and was cooperating with law enforcement, specifically as a witness in an upcoming trial.
Lewis had been indicted in 2022, facing accusations of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering alongside an associate, Rollie Lamar. Evidence presented in court indicated that Lamar, with over $2 million in assets—including luxury vehicles and firearms—had reportedly arranged for a hit on Lewis, reportedly offering a payment of $1 million in the year of Lewis’ death. Lewis was set to testify at Lamar’s trial scheduled for February 2024.
As part of the investigation, four suspected members of The Hot Boyz are believed to have been involved in the planning and execution of Lewis’ murder. The group apparently intended to split the $1 million payment among themselves, each receiving approximately $250,000.
One of the identified gang members is Quincino Lamont Waide Jr., aged 24. Waide faces charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition stemming from a prior domestic violence conviction. He is accused of aiding in the murder by providing a getaway vehicle. Cell phone records have placed Waide at the scene near the abandoned vehicle linked to the homicide.
Prosecutors are preparing a federal indictment against Waide in connection with Lewis’ murder. Waide has also been implicated in another violent crime; he was reportedly involved in the shooting death of Jadyn Sleet, a 20-year-old from a rival gang, earlier in 2024. Following the incident, law enforcement initiated a high-speed pursuit of vehicles tied to Waide.
Additional evidence obtained from Waide’s girlfriend’s home revealed a firearm that matched shell casings found at the scene of Lewis’ murder, further placing him at the center of the investigation.
Law enforcement has linked Waide to several other violent incidents associated with The Hot Boyz, including a shooting that targeted a community college and a separate event where gunfire was directed at a police detective’s vehicle. Due to Waide’s associations with known violent gang members, Magistrate Judge Matthew Stinnett denied his bail, expressing concerns about the safety of the community.
Currently, Waide is set to stand trial for the firearm charge on August 12, 2025. Meanwhile, investigations into Lewis’ murder continue as law enforcement seeks to hold all accountable for this high-profile case.
The ongoing issues connected to street gangs like The Hot Boyz have alarmed local authorities and raised public safety concerns within Lexington and surrounding areas. The impact of gang violence is far-reaching, prompting law enforcement to intensify their efforts in curbing such activities.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Murder of Kristopher Lewis
- Wikipedia: Gang violence
- WDRB: Dangerous Criminal’s Overdose
- Google Search: Kristopher Lewis murder
- Gothamist: East Harlem Gang Busted
- Google Scholar: Gang activity in America
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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