This case involves Melquan Stewart, 25, from Port Charlotte, Florida, who has been charged with the murder of his father, Glenn Stewart. According to the affidavit, the motive appears linked to the father’s pressure on his son to get a job and pay his own rent, which the father had been covering for several months.
The incident unfolded when Glenn Stewart confronted Melquan at his residence about his efforts to obtain military paperwork and employment. Melquan reported hearing voices telling him to shoot his father, which he claims was the first time he acted on such voices despite previous experiences hearing them.
Melquan shot his father multiple times through a car window, then after his father tried to escape the vehicle, Melquan shot him again outside the car. Disturbingly, after the shooting, Melquan expressed a contradictory gesture of love toward his father.
He initially planned to flee to Miami but changed his mind and stayed at the scene where police were called by 911 witnesses. Melquan, with blood on him, surrendered and mentioned the voices in his head. Physical evidence, including blood stains and the handgun used, was found on and inside the SUV.
He has had his first court appearance and remains held without bond awaiting a criminal hearing.
This reflects a tragic event possibly involving mental health issues alongside familial and financial tensions. The legal process will determine the further handling of the murder charge and any underlying factors such as mental illness defense.
