Two arrested in connection with first Waco homicide of 2026

Reginald Lewis, Jr. and Savannah Birdwell charged in fatal shooting

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Waco Police Department has arrested 20-year-old Reginald Lewis, Jr. and 19-year-old Savannah Birdwell in connection with the city's first homicide of 2026. Officers were called to 11th Street and Clay Avenue on Friday afternoon, where they found a victim who had been shot and later died at a local hospital.

Why it matters

Homicides are a serious concern for any community, and this incident marks the first such violent crime in Waco in 2026. The arrests of Lewis and Birdwell may help provide some closure for the victim's family and address public safety issues in the area.

The details

According to police, Lewis Jr. has been charged with Murder, while Birdwell faces charges of Failure to Report a Felony and Tampering with Evidence. The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.

  • The incident occurred at approximately 12:23 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The arrests of Lewis Jr. and Birdwell were made in connection with the homicide.

The players

Reginald Lewis, Jr.

A 20-year-old man charged with Murder in connection with the homicide.

Savannah Birdwell

A 19-year-old woman charged with Failure to Report a Felony and Tampering with Evidence in connection with the homicide.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Lewis Jr. and Birdwell as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for community-based solutions to address violence and promote public safety in Waco. The arrests of the two suspects may provide some measure of justice, but deeper societal issues must also be addressed to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.