A California man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the brutal killing of his grandmother in Forbestown, a small town about 80 miles northeast of Sacramento. Kenneth Lewis, who lived with his grandmother, Violet MacGregor, admitted to beating her and leaving her naked body in a bathtub, where she eventually died.
The tragic incident happened on January 21, 2024. Police found the 80-year-old woman’s lifeless body in the bathtub of her home. Lewis, 38, was arrested after confessing to the crime. Investigators noticed his swollen hands, knuckles, and injuries to his feet, which lined up with his admission of punching and kicking MacGregor while she was on the floor of her bedroom.
According to an autopsy, MacGregor died from blunt force trauma to her head and neck. She also suffered broken ribs and a fractured bone in her neck. The scene inside the house was described as horrifying, with bloodstains on the bed, walls, carpet, and furniture in the bedroom.
When questioned, Lewis claimed his motive was that MacGregor bit his tongue when he leaned in to kiss her goodnight. He said this triggered a violent outburst. After the assault, Lewis moved his grandmother, who was still breathing at the time, into the bathtub. Instead of calling for help, he reportedly went to sleep. When he woke up the next morning and found her dead, he called 911.
Prosecutors revealed that Lewis spent the night trying to clean up the evidence. They discovered bloody paper towels and cleaning wipes scattered throughout the home, including the bathroom, laundry room, and a second bedroom.
During his sentencing, Lewis expressed remorse, saying he was sorry for what he had done and that he would carry the shame for the rest of his life. Prosecutors highlighted the senseless brutality of the attack, especially given MacGregor’s vulnerable state after suffering a stroke just a week before her death.
The judge handed down the maximum sentence, emphasizing the need for justice in such a tragic and brutal case.
