NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A man who was found guilty of the first-degree murder of his wife in Newport News was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
At the sentencing hearing, Adrian Lewis was also ordered to have no contact with his children until they are 18 and then no uninvited contact after that. He's also ordered to have no contact with family and friends who spoke on the stand.
Lewis was found guilty of first-degree murder on September 28. After listening to almost two weeks of evidence and witness testimony, the jury came back with a verdict for this case in about one hour.
Lewis' wife, Shanita Eure-Lewis, was last seen by family and friends on July 17, 2022. The next day, police said Lewis booked a flight to Jamaica. Officers found him at Dulles International Airport with his wife's passport and credit cards in his luggage.
To this day, detectives have not found Eure-Lewis’ body.
At the sentence hearing Friday, friends and family gave victim statements. Deidra Eure, Eure-Lewis' sister, took the stand first.
"Adrian robbed his own son of a mother's love," Deidra said.
Both Deidra and Tony Eure, the victim's father, said her nickname was "Love."
"She was 'Love.' She demonstrated that every day in every way." Deidra said.
Both Deidra and Tony Eure spoke to 13News Now. They said the sentence brought them some closure.
“It was a long time coming. I believe the judge made the best decision on the guidelines that he had to go by," Tony Eure said.
“I’m happy with the way everything turned out," Deidra Eure said.
Both Deidra and Tony Eure said the experience has been tough for Eure-Lewis' children, but that they're doing well under the circumstances.
“The boys are doing okay. They’re still coping with everything, but they’re doing well in school and making good grades. That’s all we can ask for," Deidra Eure said.
"My family seems to be a very strong family. They’re still going to school. They’re still making good grades," Tony Eure said.
Lewis didn't speak at the hearing. Attorneys representing Lewis say he maintains his innocence. They plan to appeal his sentence.
“Not knowing where she is, not being able to give her the proper burial, she didn’t deserve that. She deserves to be laid to rest properly," said Deidra Eure, Eure-Lewis' sister.