On December 1, 2025, the Muskegon, Michigan community was shaken by the discovery of 73-year-old African American resident Thomas Lee Stewart Sr. dead inside his home. First responders were dispatched to the residence in the 1400 block of Jiroch Street around 9:30 a.m. following reports of a male subject with a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, authorities found Stewart deceased from a single gunshot to the upper body. Investigators immediately treated the scene as a homicide, noting signs that suggested a robbery had occurred, as the victim's pockets had been turned inside out.
Stewart, affectionately known to many as "Uncle Tommy" or "Tnotch," was a beloved figure in his neighborhood, celebrated for his impeccable style and warm personality. A man who had survived cancer twice in his childhood, he was known for his resilience and deep faith. In his youth, he performed with a singing group called the "Honey Waves," where his soulful voice earned him the nickname "the 6th Temptation," a nod to the legendary Motown group. Friends and family remembered him as a gifted storyteller and artist who often wore signature brimmed hats and suits, bringing joy and laughter to those around him.
The investigation into his death moved quickly as detectives sought leads. On the afternoon of December 8, 2025, officers from the Muskegon Police Department's Crime Activity and Traffic Team spotted a vehicle near Harvey Street and Marquette Avenue that was believed to be connected to the homicide. When police initiated a traffic stop, two juvenile males fled the vehicle on foot. Law enforcement, including the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police, established a perimeter and successfully tracked down both individuals, taking them into custody.
Following the arrests, prosecutors announced severe charges. A 16-year-old male was charged with open murder in connection with Stewart's death and is being tried as an adult. Authorities alleged that the teen had been let into Stewart's home, where he attempted to rob the elderly man before fatally shooting him. The second individual who fled the vehicle, a 17-year-old male, was charged with possession of a firearm, though police stated at the time that he was not facing charges directly related to the homicide. The Muskegon Police Department publicly thanked the community for providing information that proved vital in locating the suspects and advancing the case.
