Douglas County District Attorney David McDade announced today that the Georgia Supreme Court unanimously upheld the conviction and death sentence of Gerald Patrick Lewis imposed by a Douglas County jury in March of 2003. The Supreme Court issued their decision on September 19, 2005.
“Gerald Patrick Lewis is an evil serial killer who admitted to the torture and murder of five young women, one of whom, Peggy Grimes died here in Douglas County,” said McDade who sought the death penalty and personally prosecuted the case. “Lewis is the evil monster every parent warns their children about, every husband warns their wife about. Peggy Grimes was a young 22 year old woman, nine months pregnant, who Lewis killed and left her body in the woods for animals is scavenge.”
Lewis is currently under a death sentence in Georgia and in Alabama. He has confessed to the murder of five women and the attempted kidnapping, rape and murder of three others. One victim was only five years old.
Indigent defense attorney Michael Mears represented Lewis at his 2003 trial as well as his appeal. The main issue brought before the Supreme Court was whether the defendant had a sufficient opportunity to question potential jurors prior to the jury selection process. The Court found that the record provided ample evidence that 120 perspective jurors were called, 70 were excused for cause, and over two weeks were provided to the defendant, sufficient time to question and select a jury as guaranteed by the State and Federal Constitution.
“Mr. Lewis is entitled to his appeal and the Georgia Supreme Court has found no error in the trial provided him by Douglas County,” stated McDade. “Obviously a death sentence is the most sever punishment in this State. It is one that is never sought by this office lightly. The Supreme Court, as its duty, also treats these cases with the respect they deserve. I am happy the Court found no error in how I presented this case on behalf of the people of Douglas County. A death sentence is the justice Mr. Lewis deserves,” concluded McDade.
