Sam Graham Murder Trial: Family Responds to Montana Lewis’s Changing Story

As the murder trial of Montana Lewis continues in Sault Ste. Marie Superior Court, the family of 19-year-old Sam Graham has released a statement addressing conflicting testimony and false claims made in court.

The defense now claims that Lewis “didn’t mean” to kill Sam Graham—describing the stabbing as an accident or reflex. But the evidence presented in court tells a very different story.

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Key Facts Ignored by the Defense

• On November 12, 2020, Sam Graham was fatally stabbed twice in the driveway of the Lewis family home on Muriel Drive.
• Court testimony shows that before the attack, Lewis had been arguing with his twin sister, Semiah Lewis. During that argument, Sammy stood up for Semiah after her brother repeatedly called her a “b*h.”**
• During the trial, Lewis claimed that he had been drinking, smoking marijuana, and using cocaine earlier that day. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
  • Montana Lewis was the only person who made this statement.
  • No other witnesses—including Semiah Lewis—supported his claim. In fact, Semiah explicitly stated that she did not notice any signs of intoxication or impairment that day.
  • Responding police officers also did not report any smell of alcohol or any evidence of drug or alcohol use.
  • The family believes this was a false and self-serving claim made by Lewis in an attempt to excuse or minimize his actions.
• Lewis armed himself with a knife, left the house, and went outside to murder Sam Graham.
• Most significantly, Lewis sent a text message to his ex-girlfriend shortly before the stabbing stating that he was “going to kill Sam.”

The family emphasizes that this false narrative about substance use was never supported by evidence and was, in fact, contradicted by multiple witnesses. The testimony continues to point to premeditation and intent—not panic, confusion, or reflex.

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History of Hostility Toward Sam Graham

Those close to Sam have long known that Montana Lewis openly disliked Sam, even before the events of that day. This hostility was unprovoked and persistent, adding crucial context to an act of aggression that escalated into violence.

To suggest that the stabbing was an unfortunate accident is not only inconsistent with the evidence but also deeply painful to Sam’s loved ones and to the wider community.

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For Further Coverage

• SooToday: Twin brother tells his side of the story leading up to the homicide
• The Sault Star: Murder accused has ‘selective memory,’ says Crown

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