In the summer of 2019, the quiet community of Byhalia, Mississippi, was disturbed by a grim discovery. On June 29th, the body of 25-year-old Jordan Stewart, a male resident of Olive Branch, was found in a vehicle at the end of Beechtree Cove. He had been shot multiple times, and his death was quickly ruled a homicide, launching an intensive investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. Stewart was remembered by family and friends as an energetic and kind individual, and his violent death sent ripples of grief and a demand for justice through the community.
The investigation into Stewart's murder led authorities to identify several individuals believed to be involved. In the days and weeks that followed, a series of arrests were made. The first suspect taken into custody was 22-year-old Drenique Montgomery of Memphis, who was charged with capital murder. Shortly after, three more individuals were arrested and faced the same charge: 18-year-old Wanzie Eugene Brown of Southaven, 18-year-old Brianna Young of Olive Branch, and 18-year-old Jemeka Katrina Thomas of Memphis.
A fifth suspect, 19-year-old John Albert Williams Jr. of Byhalia, remained at large for a period, with law enforcement considering him armed and dangerous. A search of his residence uncovered an assault rifle, spent projectiles, and items believed to belong to the victim. The search for Williams Jr. concluded with his apprehension by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force and the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. With all five suspects in custody, the legal process began, with preliminary hearings scheduled and public defenders appointed as the case prepared to move forward through the justice system.
