In the cold of early January in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the life of 29-year-old Tony Lamarr Stewart was tragically cut short. On the evening of January 3, 2020, Stewart was in the parking lot of a liquor store on Franklin Street SE when he was shot. This violent act marked the first homicide in the city for the new year. Stewart succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and community.
His cousin remembered him as a man who was 'trying to be the best dad.'
The investigation into the shooting was undertaken by the Grand Rapids Police Department's Major Case Team. For months, detectives worked to piece together the events of that fatal night. Their efforts eventually led them to a suspect, 26-year-old Javonte Davon Robinson. In May 2020, Robinson was arrested and faced a series of serious charges in connection with Stewart's death.
Javonte Davon Robinson was charged with open murder and felony firearm, among five charges in total. Due to his criminal history, he was also charged as a fourth habitual offender, a status that could significantly impact his sentence if convicted. Following his arrest, Robinson was held at the Kent County Correctional Facility. A conviction on these charges could result in a life sentence in prison.
