A woman met a grim fate from the very man she forgave for her mother's murder. Martha McKay was killed at her family estate, the Snowden House, by Travis Lewis. He had been convicted decades earlier for killing McKay's mother and a cousin on the same Horseshoe Lake property.
McKay had visited Lewis during his imprisonment and supported his early release. She later gave him work at her renovated bed-and-breakfast. Their relationship deteriorated after a large sum of money disappeared from the home, an incident she blamed on him.
Authorities found McKay's body after a security alarm activated. She had been stabbed and beaten near a staircase. Items valued for theft and a bloody knife were located nearby. Investigators could not determine if the murder or the robbery was the primary intent.
Deputies saw a suspect jump from a window and attempt to flee. The man's vehicle got stuck before he leaped into Horseshoe Lake and submerged. Divers recovered the body of Travis Lewis. Toxicology tests revealed he had several drugs in his system.
Family members remembered McKay as someone who embraced life fully. The historic Snowden House now stands marked by two generations of loss inflicted by the same individual.
McKay had visited Lewis during his imprisonment and supported his early release. She later gave him work at her renovated bed-and-breakfast. Their relationship deteriorated after a large sum of money disappeared from the home, an incident she blamed on him.
Authorities found McKay's body after a security alarm activated. She had been stabbed and beaten near a staircase. Items valued for theft and a bloody knife were located nearby. Investigators could not determine if the murder or the robbery was the primary intent.
Deputies saw a suspect jump from a window and attempt to flee. The man's vehicle got stuck before he leaped into Horseshoe Lake and submerged. Divers recovered the body of Travis Lewis. Toxicology tests revealed he had several drugs in his system.
Family members remembered McKay as someone who embraced life fully. The historic Snowden House now stands marked by two generations of loss inflicted by the same individual.
