On a summer evening in Randallstown, Maryland, a gathering of friends at a cookout turned into a scene of tragedy. On July 22, 2023, 49-year-old Shawn Stewart, a male truck driver from Northeast Baltimore, was shot and killed. The incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. in the 8600 block of Lucerne Road, where Stewart was found outside a home with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Friends and neighbors described the party as being larger than usual for the quiet neighborhood.
Stewart was remembered by loved ones as a peaceful and non-confrontational person who would actively try to de-escalate conflicts. His childhood friend expressed shock and disbelief, stating that Stewart was the last person he would have expected to be a victim of violence. Friends fondly recalled his caring nature and willingness to help others, emphasizing the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
The investigation into Shawn Stewart's death led to the arrest of Lydell Darien. Police charged Darien with first-degree murder, alleging that he was the individual who shot and killed Stewart. According to reports, the two men, who were friends, had gotten into a fight during the cookout. It is believed that Darien left the party after the altercation, only to return later and shoot Stewart.
Lydell Darien's trial was initially scheduled for March but was postponed to September. In a significant development, a jury found Darien guilty on all charges related to the murder of Shawn Stewart. Following the conviction, a sentencing hearing was scheduled for October 7th.
