Suspect in killing was 'Sons of Anarchy' actor

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Actor Johnny Lewis posed for a portrait during the 36th Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. Authorities say Lewis fell to his death after killing an elderly Los Angeles woman.

LOS ANGELES >> Court records show "Sons of Anarchy" actor Johnny Lewis was released from jail a week before being found dead in his driveway after police say he apparently killed his landlady.

Los Angeles police said today that the 28-year-old Lewis is the only suspect in the death of 81-year-old Catherine Davis, who was discovered slain inside the hillside home in Los Feliz.

Authorities say they are investigating Davis' death and that it appears she was beaten. They say the actor died after climbing atop the home and either jumping or falling to the ground.

According to records, Lewis pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon and attempted burglary this year. He spent time at a drug- and psychiatric-treatment center. He was released from county jail Sept. 21.

Lewis’ attorney Jonathan Mandel said Thursday he was “surprised” and “baffled” by the deaths.

Lewis played Kip “Half-Sack” Epps in the FX show "Sons of Anarchy." He had a career spanning more than a decade, mainly in small roles. He played Ricky in the 2007 movie “AVPR: Aliens vs Predator — Requiem” and was Dennis ‘Chili’ Childress for two seasons on TV’s “The O.C.”

His role in “Sons of Anarchy” came in 2008 and 2009.