Iqueisha Tequila Monique Collins, a 21-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on April 11, 2014, in Brunswick, North Carolina. The incident occurred during a party at a home on Eastfield Lane in Supply, North Carolina. At approximately 11 p.m. on April 8, 2014, William Calvin Steward, a 36-year-old man, fired a rifle into a vehicle occupied by Iqueisha Collins and another male victim, Deontray Bryant, 26. Collins was struck in the head, while Bryant was shot in the leg.
Both victims were air-lifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment. Collins succumbed to her injuries three days later, on April 11, 2014.
Following the incident, William Calvin Steward faced several felony charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and firing into an occupied vehicle. After Collins' death, Steward was charged with second-degree murder. On February 20, 2017, Steward pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Brunswick County Superior Court. Along with the murder plea, he also pleaded guilty to other felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and firing into an occupied vehicle. Judge James Gregory Bell sentenced Steward to 144 to 185 months in the North Carolina Department of Corrections.
The case was handled by Assistant District Attorney Lee Bollinger, and Steward was represented by Attorney James Payne. The tragic death of Iqueisha Tequila Monique Collins left a lasting impact on her family and community, as they mourned the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short by a senseless act of violence.
