In Memphis, Tennessee, on the first day of July in 2024, the life of 28-year-old Anthonese 'Niecy' Stewart was tragically cut short. A Black/African American female, Stewart was shot and killed in a violent encounter that also claimed the life of her father, Gary Newman. The incident unfolded at their home on Newfound Gap Road in the southeast part of Shelby County.
The primary suspect in this devastating double homicide was identified by authorities as Jaylan McCollins, Stewart's
28-year-old ex-boyfriend. According to investigators, the events leading to the shooting were captured on home security footage, which reportedly showed a physical altercation between McCollins and Stewart. In a heroic attempt to protect his daughter, Gary Newman intervened, only to be fatally shot as well.
Following the shooting, McCollins fled the scene, sparking a 49-day manhunt. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office issued a 'Be On The Lookout' for McCollins, cautioning that he was to be considered armed and dangerous. The search came to an end on August 19, 2024, when members of the Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Burglary, Robbery, Auto Theft Unit located and apprehended him in downtown Memphis.
McCollins was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon. During his court proceedings, it was revealed that he had a history of domestic violence charges dating back to 2018. The gravity of the crime led the presiding judge to note that it could potentially be a death penalty case, and McCollins was ordered to be held without bond. As of early October 2024, the case was bound over to a grand jury for further legal proceedings.
