Three charged in 2019 slaying of Tafar Lewis in Worcester

Arrests made nearly 7 years after the shooting on Gage Street

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:43pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny, metallic bullet casing against a dark, textured background, capturing the stark, gritty aesthetic of a crime scene investigation.The arrest of suspects years after a fatal shooting underscores the challenges of solving cold cases involving gun violence.Worcester Today

Nearly seven years after Tafar Lewis was fatally shot on Gage Street in Worcester, police have arrested three people in connection with his killing. Two of the suspects were already in prison on unrelated cases when they were charged in Lewis' death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases, especially those involving gun violence. The arrest of the suspects, even years later, may provide some closure for Lewis' family and the community.

The details

According to authorities, Juan Ruiz, 26, was taken into custody and charged with Lewis' murder. Two other suspects, whose names were not released, were also charged in the case but were already incarcerated on unrelated matters.

  • Tafar Lewis was gunned down on Gage Street in Worcester in 2019.
  • Nearly 7 years later, in 2026, police made arrests in the case.

The players

Tafar Lewis

The victim who was fatally shot in 2019.

Juan Ruiz

A 26-year-old man charged with the murder of Tafar Lewis.

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What’s next

The three suspects will face trial for the 2019 murder of Tafar Lewis.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in solving cold cases, even years later, and the importance of providing justice for victims of gun violence and their families.