Antonio Louis Bushrod Jr., a 25-year-old male, tragically lost his life on October 26, 2019, in Evansville, Indiana. His death was the result of a fatal shooting that occurred during a party in the 1500 block of South Morton Avenue. Known to his loved ones as 'Tony' or 'Nino,' he was remembered for his big personality and a smile that could light up a room.
He was a father and was remembered for his love for his family and friends.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours when an altercation led to Bushrod and others being asked to leave the gathering. While congregated outside on the porch, Bushrod sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. He was found by police on the porch and his death was later attributed to gun violence. The investigation into the shooting led Evansville Police to identify a suspect.
Following the investigation, 36-year-old Tanika Stewart was arrested in connection with the shooting death of Antonio Bushrod Jr. The day of her arrest, shots were fired into her home on South Lynwood Avenue, though it is unclear if anyone was injured in that incident. Stewart was subsequently charged with murder.
In February 2020, a jury found Tanika Stewart guilty of the murder of Antonio Bushrod Jr. A Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge sentenced her to 50 years in prison for the murder charge and an additional 5 years for a firearm enhancement, resulting in a total sentence of 55 years. Following the sentencing, the prosecutor praised the work of the Evansville Police Department and expressed hope that the verdict and sentence would bring a sense of justice to the family and friends of Antonio Bushrod Jr.
