Dewey Ervin Gray, a 54-year-old man from Woodleaf, NC, died on August 29, 2016, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Gray, who was affectionately known as "Dew Drop," was shot by his neighbor, James Leonard Stewart, 21, during an altercation. The incident occurred at 5985 Foster Road, where Gray was found lying in his driveway by deputies from the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.
Gray was able to tell deputies that he had been shot by a man known as "Booker" before being transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
James Leonard Stewart, who lived in a camper behind his mother's home at 5075 Foster Road, was arrested and charged with Gray's murder. According to Stewart's mother, Wanda Stewart, the incident stemmed from an argument between Gray and his girlfriend. Wanda Stewart claimed that her son was trying to protect her when Gray allegedly punched her during the altercation. Stewart shot Gray in the chest with a 25-gauge firearm, and investigators later found a bullet for a 25 automatic inside an ashtray in the camper.
During the investigation, deputies discovered several "one pot" meth labs at Stewart's home. The presence of these meth labs added another layer of complexity to the case, as authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gray's death. Stewart was held in the Rowan County Detention Center without bond as the investigation continued. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of violence and the impact it had on the lives of those involved.
