A woman, grieving the loss of her mother and cousin who were murdered, tragically met the same fate at the hands of the killer she had forgiven and even employed. Sally Snowden McKay, aged 75, and her cousin Joseph “Lee” Baker, a 52-year-old Memphis blues guitarist, were victims of a heinous crime on their estate at Horseshoe Lake in Arkansas in 1996. Following the deaths, Sally’s daughter reached out to Travis Lewis, a 17-year-old who was convicted for the murders, showing him kindness despite his past actions. Martha, the daughter, believed in Lewis’s innocence despite his guilty plea and decision not to confess, influenced by his blame on another individual according to reports.
After coping with her grief, Martha transformed the mansion where the tragedy occurred into a luxury bed and breakfast and event venue named Snowden House. She even supported Lewis’s release from prison in 2018 and offered him a job at the establishment. Despite ongoing doubts about his innocence, Martha continued to trust Lewis, who worked at the property for 18 months. However, suspicions arose when Martha suspected Lewis of stealing $10,000 from the house for a chandelier sale.
Tragedy struck again when Martha was discovered brutally murdered in her home on March 25, 2020, at the age of 63. The police investigation revealed a cloth bag near her containing valuables and a blood-stained kitchen knife, suggesting a botched theft attempt. The suspect, later identified as Lewis, attempted to flee but drowned in the nearby lake after jumping from a window.
Lewis’s body was recovered, confirming his involvement in Martha’s murder, marking a tragic end to the forgiveness and second chances extended to him by the family. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of multiple drugs in Lewis’s system. Family members expressed shock and disbelief over the turn of events, highlighting Martha’s zest for life and the profound impact of the tragic loss.