A Lynchburg man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for the 2022 killing of Tyler Johnson.
Derek Lewis, convicted of the murder at Iron & Ale in November 2022, appeared in Lynchburg Circuit Court Wednesday for sentencing. Johnson was shot and killed during the incident, and Lewis was later apprehended at the Jacksonville International Airport.
Lewis was previously found guilty on February 28, 2025, of:
Second-degree murder
Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Concealed weapon
During the sentencing hearing, Lewis’ defense requested a delay or new trial, arguing that he acted in self-defense and that evidence was not properly disclosed, including a medical examiner report and statements made while he requested a lawyer. The court denied the motions, ruling the evidence was handled appropriately.
Tyler Johnson’s parents addressed the court before sentencing. His mother, Sarah Johnson, described the emotional toll and trauma she has endured since her son’s death. His father, Wade Johnson, recalled Tyler as a “strong leader” whose life was tragically cut short.
The judge sentenced Lewis as follows:
Second-degree murder – 40 years, 4 suspended
Malicious discharging of a firearm in a building – 10 years, 2 suspended
Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony – 3 years
Possession of a concealed weapon by a felon – 5 years, 2 suspended
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon – 5 years
The total sentence of 63 years, with 8 suspended, means Lewis will serve 55 years in prison, with time served already credited. The judge cited Lewis’ criminal history and the lasting impact on Johnson’s family and friends as factors in the lengthy sentence.
