Crime

My Ex-Husband Hired Hitmen to Kill Me Over Divorce—But They Murdered the Wrong Woman in a Botched Plot

Published

3 months ago

September 21, 2024

Alisha (left) was shot dead in a hit orchestrated by her sister Amanda's (right) estranged husband, Kevin Lewis Credit: NETFLIX

A Life Forever Changed
Amanda Canales lives with an empty seat at every family gathering—a haunting reminder of her sister, Alisha, who tragically died in her place.

Alisha was killed after being mistaken for Amanda, who had been the intended target in a murder plot orchestrated by Amanda’s ex-husband, Kevin Lewis. Amanda now struggles with overwhelming grief and guilt.

Kevin Lewis shared three kids with his wife Amanda, but that didn’t matter to him. After she asked for a divorce, he hatched a plan to have her murdered. Credit: Netflix.

The Wrong Victim
Alisha’s death was a devastating mistake. Amanda’s ex-husband, Kevin, had hired his cousin to murder Amanda after years of domestic abuse. Instead, Alisha took the fatal bullet, saving Amanda’s life. “I know it’s not my fault, but it’s always going to feel like I should’ve done more,” Amanda says.

The pair wed in 2009 and went on to have three kids in quick succession – but things started to go downhill soon after Credit: Netflix.

A Picture-Perfect Beginning
Amanda and Kevin’s relationship began as what appeared to be a perfect romance. A friend recalls how Kevin first approached Amanda, showing interest and charm. He quickly won over Amanda’s brother, Mannie, though Alisha, or “Punky” as the family affectionately called her, was less impressed.

A Lavish Wedding
In July 2009, Amanda and Kevin married in a grand ceremony, with her sisters, including Alisha, as bridesmaids. Their lives seemed idyllic; they soon welcomed their first child, Eliana, followed by two more children, Amaya and Isaiah.

The Dark Side Emerges
Despite their growing family, Kevin’s behaviour soon took a dark turn. Amanda describes his emotional abuse and controlling behaviour, recalling how he would belittle her, invade her privacy, and criticise her appearance. “I started to wonder who I had married,” she reflects.

Amanda Canales has bravely opened up on new Netflix documentary series 'Worst Ex Ever' about the abuse and violence she suffered at the hands of her ex

Amanda Canales has bravely opened up on the new Netflix documentary series ‘Worst Ex Ever’ about the abuse and violence she suffered at the hands of her ex. Credit: Netflix.

Abuse Behind Closed Doors
Over time, Kevin’s control over Amanda worsened. He monitored her phone and dictated her clothing choices. The abuse escalated to physical violence, culminating in a terrifying incident where Kevin punched Amanda in the face during an argument. Despite her injuries, Amanda chose not to report him to the police.

Escaping the Violence
In February 2016, Amanda finally filed for divorce. However, financial constraints forced them to continue living together, creating a volatile environment. After enduring further abuse, Amanda moved out, but Kevin’s obsessive behaviour only intensified.

The First Attack
In June 2017, Amanda was brutally attacked on her driveway after returning from dance practice. Beaten and left for dead, she survived but was unable to identify Kevin as the attacker positively. Despite her suspicions, the police could not arrest him due to insufficient evidence.

Amanda wanted to make it work, but Lewis became increasingly controlling and she was victim of domestic abuse including coercive control

Amanda wanted to make it work, but Lewis became increasingly controlling, and she was the victim of domestic abuse, including coercive control. Credit: Netflix.

The Fatal Night
In September 2017, while Amanda was away at a conference, her sister Alisha stayed with her children. That night, Alisha was shot dead in the family home. The bullets were meant for Amanda, but Alisha was tragically caught in the crossfire.

“Those Bullets Were Meant for Me”
Amanda received the heart-breaking news from her father while in New York. “He killed Punky,” he told her. Amanda rushed home in a state of shock, knowing that she had narrowly escaped death. Her grief was compounded by the knowledge that Alisha had died protecting her family.

Living in Fear
After Alisha’s murder, Amanda and her children were forced to move into a shelter, living in fear of Kevin. Police struggled to find leads in the case, though Kevin was eventually imprisoned for his earlier assault on Amanda.

The Breakthrough
Months after the murder, a tip came through to the police, revealing that Kevin’s cousin, Jerradon Phelps, and his girlfriend, Alexis Hale, were involved in the killing. Kevin had paid Phelps to carry out the murder, but they mistakenly shot Alisha instead.

The Evidence Unfolds
Investigators uncovered crucial evidence, including phone records and Snapchat videos showing Phelps and Hale on the night of the murder. Videos showed Phelps flaunting the money he had been paid to commit the crime.

Kevin threatened to kill Amanda if she didn’t bow down to his demands – but she didn’t think for one second he would ever carry it out. Credit: Netflix.

Paid to Kill
Phelps and Hale admitted they had been paid $2,400 to carry out the murder, with Hale earning only $200. They had been shown a photo of Amanda and instructed to kill whoever opened the door, not realising it would be her sister.

Alisha, right, would regularly help Amanda look after her kids while she worked - which is why she was there that fateful night

Alisha, right, regularly helped Amanda look after her kids while she worked, which is why she was there that fateful night. Credit: Newsflash.

Justice Served
In October 2021, Hale and Phelps pleaded guilty. Hale received 15 years in prison, while Phelps was sentenced to nearly 32 years. Kevin Lewis, the mastermind behind the murder, pleaded not guilty but was eventually sentenced to life without parole.

The hired killer was shown a picture of Amanda, but they admitted they planned to just kill whoever answered the door that night

The hired killer was shown a picture of Amanda, but they admitted they planned just to kill whoever answered the door that night. Credit: Netflix.

Jerradon Phelps admitted his part in the plot and was sentenced to nearly 32 years in prison Credit: Newsflash.

Amanda is now determined to live her life to the full, not just for herself but for her beloved sister, Alisha

Amanda is now determined to live her life to the fullest, not just for herself but for her beloved sister, Alisha. Credit: Newsflash.

Amanda’s New Reality
Though justice was served, Amanda continues to grapple with the loss of her sister. She reflects on the emotional pain of hearing the trial testimony and learning how Alisha used her last breath to protect her children. “No punishment will bring her back,” Amanda says, “but I live each day knowing I must live for both of us now.”