by Hamilton, AL – A Marion County community is reeling after a 25-year-old man was charged with capital murder in the shooting death of his wife and the serious wounding of their 18-month-old daughter. Authorities also arrested the man’s father, accusing him of aiding in the cover-up and delaying the 911 call for nearly an hour after the fatal shooting.
Deadly Shooting in Hamilton Home
The violence unfolded Friday night around 8:30 p.m. at the family’s residence on Stewart Road in Hamilton. Court records state that Tristen Stewart, 25, shot his wife, Taylor Dudley Stewart, multiple times. She died at the scene.
The couple’s young daughter was also struck by gunfire. The 18-month-old was rushed out of state for emergency surgery. On Monday, Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams confirmed that the child is recovering well after the procedure. “She’s doing good,” the sheriff said, though he noted the situation is still under close medical supervision.
Father Waited Nearly an Hour to Call 911
According to charging documents, Kenneth Stewart, 69, Tristen’s father, helped his son flee the home immediately after the shooting. Rather than calling authorities right away, Kenneth allegedly drove Tristen away from the crime scene.
Records further state that Kenneth then returned home about an hour later and finally called 911 to report the shooting. Investigators allege he gave false statements to deputies, deliberately misleading them to buy his son time to evade capture.
“Kenneth Stewart intentionally gave false statements to law enforcement to mislead them and slow them down,” the charging documents read.
Arrest After 15-Hour Manhunt
According to AL.com, A 15-hour manhunt followed the shooting as officers from multiple agencies searched for the suspect. Tristen Stewart was ultimately located and arrested Saturday afternoon.
Both Tristen and his father were booked into the Marion County Jail within minutes of each other. Tristen was formally charged with capital murder, while Kenneth faces charges of aiding and abetting capital murder and obstruction of governmental operations.
A judge ordered no bond for Tristen, while Kenneth’s bond was set at $1.5 million. Prosecutors have indicated Kenneth’s charges could be upgraded as the investigation continues.
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Possible Motive Not Disclosed
Authorities have not yet disclosed a potential motive for the killing. Court records focus mainly on the sequence of events following the shooting and Kenneth Stewart’s alleged role in assisting his son afterward.
The lack of details surrounding why the shooting happened has left many residents of Hamilton shaken and searching for answers.
Community Impact and Reactions
Hamilton, a small town in Marion County, is a close-knit community where violent crime of this nature is rare. News of the shooting has sent shockwaves across the area.
“Tragedies like this are always hard, but when a child is involved, it’s heartbreaking on another level,” Sheriff Williams said.
Neighbors expressed disbelief that such a violent act could occur in their quiet community. Some also voiced concern over Kenneth Stewart’s alleged decision to delay calling 911, suggesting the outcome could have been different had emergency responders arrived sooner.
Legal Outlook
Under Alabama law, a capital murder charge carries the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty if convicted. The aiding and abetting charge Kenneth faces also carries serious potential penalties, particularly since prosecutors may argue he helped facilitate the crime by protecting his son.
Court hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, and prosecutors have said they are still reviewing evidence that could lead to additional charges.
Moving Forward
For now, the toddler who survived the shooting remains a beacon of hope in an otherwise devastating case. Sheriff Williams said the child’s recovery is “a blessing,” though she will now grow up without her mother and with her father facing a potential capital trial.
As the investigation unfolds, community members in Hamilton are rallying around the surviving child, while grappling with the broader tragedy of a family torn apart by violence and betrayal.
What do you think about Kenneth Stewart’s role in this case? Should he face the same level of accountability as his son for allegedly helping him cover up the crime? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
