Elizabeth Pledger-Stewart, a 46-year-old woman from Youngstown, OH, tragically lost her life on June 15, 2017. She was murdered by Dale Williams Sr., her ex-boyfriend, who hunted her down and shot her multiple times after ramming his van into her car on Market Street in Youngstown. Williams was subsequently apprehended at the scene and later pled guilty to the murder.
In a dramatic courtroom scene during Williams' sentencing hearing in July 2019, two of Pledger-Stewart's sons, Jerome
Stewart and Anthony Dees, attacked Williams. The sons were charged with assault, obstructing official business, and contempt of court. Despite the chaos, Williams was sentenced to 23 years to life in prison for the murder.
Pledger-Stewart's family and friends described her as a loving mother, friend, sister, and aunt who had a profound impact on their lives. Her aunt, Janice Dees, expressed the family's heartbreak and emphasized that Williams showed no remorse for his actions. The family continues to grieve and feels that the void left by Elizabeth's death can never be filled.
The case drew significant media attention, and the courtroom attack by Pledger-Stewart's sons highlighted the intense emotions and pain experienced by the family. The judge, Maureen Sweeney, was praised for her handling of the case and ensuring that Williams received a substantial sentence.
Elizabeth Pledger-Stewart's death remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of justice for victims and their families.
