Teenage lead guitarist Gord Lewis Dead Murdered By His Own Son
The Canadian punk rock band Teenage Head has lost their founding member and guitarist, Gord Lewis. He was 65.
Jonathan Lewis, Lewis’s 41-year-old son, was detained and charged with second-degree murder, say police in Hamilton, Ontario. Sometime last week, police said, Jonathan murdered his father in their apartment.
Police were called to the apartment on Sunday about noon, and when they arrived, they “located a deceased male in his 60s in the apartment.” Det. Sgt. Sara Beck of the Hamilton Police Department stated at a press conference on Monday. Furthermore, Beck stated, “the male had injuries consistent with foul play and the case was deemed a homicide.”
Police think they have identified the victim and have notified the Lewis family, according to The Hamilton Spectator. However, because the body has decomposed, more tests are required to obtain a positive identification.
While this was happening, the band’s Instagram page said Gord had passed away. “We are heartbroken and still trying to process the loss of our friend, bandmate and brother Gord Lewis Our hearts are with his family and all that knew and loved him,” the caption reads. “Gord was a force and an inspiration to many. You were taken from us far too soon.”
Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with this; they think it is an isolated event. Authorities have stated that an autopsy will be conducted and that further investigation is ongoing.
Moreover, The Spectator alleges that its newsroom, along with a large number of others, got a series of emails from two accounts using the name Jonathan Lewis, first at around 8 p.m. on Saturday and again late morning on Sunday. The publication states that the communications discuss topics such as Gord’s medical problems and his death.
A copy of one email was obtained by The Spectator, and it reads as follows: “Now I just want to get help for my sickness and give my Dad a proper burial. He didn’t deserve this.” On Sunday morning, the newspaper received yet another email, this one reading, “Funeral people need to get here quick. My dad is starting to decay.”
A Spectator reporter was concerned for Gord’s well-being at this time, so they called the police. Police responded to a wellness check request to Gord’s apartment because of the call and found him dead inside; however, they believe the suspected murder occurred several days before the body was located.
Teenage Head was formed in 1975 by Gord, Frankie Venom (vocals/drums), and Dave Desroches (vocals). With songs like “Let’s Shake” and “Some Kinda Fun.” the band shot to fame in the early 1980s. Sadly, Venom succumbed to throat cancer in 2008.