In the early morning hours of June 25, 2023, the life of 23-year-old Mattie Marie Wilson, a Black female from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was tragically cut short. Responders found her with multiple gunshot wounds in the 2000 block of Greentree Court shortly before 5 a.m. She was rushed to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead. The Allen County Coroner's Office subsequently ruled her death a homicide.
At the scene, two men were also discovered with life-threatening injuries.
An investigation into the shooting was launched by the Fort Wayne Police Department, in conjunction with the Allen County Prosecutor's Office and the Allen County Coroner's Office. Their efforts led to the arrest of 23-year-old Nicholas Steward on August 23, 2023. He was taken into custody at police headquarters without incident. Court documents revealed the shooting stemmed from a party and an alleged love triangle involving Steward. Witnesses reported seeing Steward with a handgun and hearing him threaten to kill Wilson before he fired a full clip of ammunition.
Following his arrest, Nicholas Steward was charged with murder, attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon, and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. During questioning, Steward admitted to police that he felt threatened by another individual at the party and acknowledged that some of the shots he fired may have struck Wilson. He expressed remorse, reportedly stating, 'Mattie's blood is on my hands.'
In August 2025, Nicholas Steward was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and criminal recklessness in connection with the death of Mattie Wilson and the injuries to the two other victims. For his crimes, he was sentenced to 117 years in prison. The court proceedings brought a measure of justice to the family and loved ones of Mattie Marie Wilson, who was remembered as an outgoing and caring person with a passion for helping others.
