By Michael Baker
Published: August 10, 2010
A Blanchard man was sentenced Tuesday to 22 years in prison for attempted armed robbery, shooting with intent to kill and the first-degree murder of his ex-wife, who was killed when the couple tried to rob a bank.
Oklahoma City bank robber sentenced in ex-wife's death
Samuel Booth Lewis, 58, pleaded no contest to the murder and to shooting at a security guard with intent to kill. He pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery.
Judge Jerry Bass sentenced Lewis to 5 years for the attempted robbery, 15 years for shooting at the security guard and to a life sentence for the murder with all but the first two years suspended.
Lewis was shot in the chest during a July 18, 2009, shoot-out with a security guard as he and his ex-wife attempted to rob the MidFirst Bank, 2225 N May Ave. in Oklahoma City. His ex-wife, Barbara Payton Lewis, 56, was shot and killed by a security guard.
During today's sentencing hearing, family members of the once-married couple argued for leniency. Barbara Lewis' sister, Samuel Lewis' mother and the couple's daughter all spoke on behalf of the defendant in Judge Jerry D. Bass' Oklahoma County courtroom.
"Your honor, I would like you to please consider mercy," Tina Hatley, the sister of Barbara Lewis, said. "I also know Sam saw what went on that day and he sees that multiple times a day. That's punishment enough."
Bass said that the relatives' comments played a big part in handing down two years to serve on the murder charge. Bass also said the effect of the crime on the bank teller and security guard, both of whom spoke today, also played a big role in the 20 years given for the other crimes.
Samuel and Barbara Lewis divorced in 1986 but had gotten back together.
A prosecutor said Samuel Lewis fired nine times at the security guard. The guard, James Shepherd, was cut by flying glass during the shootout. A defense attorney said Samuel Lewis was trying to get the guard to stop shooting at Barbara Lewis.
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