UPDATE: Hewett supporters won’t release their side of the story

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Ron Hewett supporters held a public meeting Friday night that was not so public.

A Leland man put together an event to tell what he says is the truth behind the former Brunswick County Sheriff’s death. Earlier today, Ronnie Lewis told us Hewett’s death was “help gone wrong” and the video released by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is depicted incorrectly.

Lewis made a Facebook group right after Hewett’s death in the New Hanover County Jail. It’s called “Justice for Sheriff Ronald Hewett.” Then he began posting about an event to “get the truth out about what happened to Hewett.”

The event posting says, “Our meeting with the public and all of our supporters will be held this Friday at the Leland Park.”

When we showed up at the public park to hear Lewis’s side of the story, we were told it was not to be televised.

“I hope that camera is not recording,” Lewis said.

Lewis went on to describe the last few days of Hewett’s life. Lewis said the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office released video that was depicted the way they wanted it to be. Lewis would not let us record any of these comments. He said it was out of respect for Hewett’s family.

A New Hanover County Sheriff’s spokesman declined to comment on the movement.