Two Louisiana brothers allegedly murdered their Lyft driver before leading law enforcement on a dangerous chase that crossed into Texas — ending with one suspect dead and the other behind bars.
Authorities say 26-year-old Tristan Bush and his brother, 23-year-old Ethan Bush, are responsible for the killing of 62-year-old rideshare driver LaWanna Lewis. Her body was discovered early Friday morning in a ditch in Westlake, Louisiana, with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.
After Lewis’ vehicle was reported missing, investigators issued a “Be On The Lookout” alert and opened a public tip line. That same evening, the stolen car was spotted in a Houston-area parking lot across the Texas border.
When Harris County Sheriff’s deputies approached, the suspects allegedly tried to speed away, but soon abandoned the vehicle and ran off on foot. During the pursuit, Ethan Bush was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to run across a busy roadway, officials said.
Tristan Bush was captured shortly afterward while hiding in a nearby neighborhood. He is being held by Harris County authorities and is awaiting extradition to Louisiana, where he faces a second-degree murder charge in Lewis’ death. His bond has been set at $2.5 million.
Investigators say additional charges may follow as the case develops.
Records show Tristan Bush has a criminal history in Louisiana, including arrests in 2022 and 2023 for resisting an officer — the latter involving force or violence. His younger brother Ethan reportedly had no prior record.
Loved ones are now mourning Lewis, describing her as a kind and caring woman whose life was taken “far too soon.”
“Thank you for your love, support, and prayers during this painful time,” her family wrote on a GoFundMe page. “LaWanna’s compassion and light will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.”