Robert Jacob Stewart was 23 and living in Swannanoa, North Carolina, when he was shot and killed on the night of February 11, 2018. Known as Jake, he worked in construction and was of the Christian faith; he was survived by his parents Robert W. Stewart and Laura Creasman, his sister Morgan Lee Stewart, and his grandparents Dennis and Melba Creasman, and Bobby and Peggy Stewart.

According to witnesses, a friend, Cameron Ellis McElrath, came to Stewart’s home that night carrying a 12-gauge shotgun. Witnesses said McElrath showed the gun to another person, asked about possible modifications, then after an argument racked the shotgun and fired twice, striking Stewart in the head. Both men were reportedly using methamphetamine at the time. McElrath fled but was later taken into custody and charged; he ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced on September 16, 2019.

Anyone who knew Jake, his routines, or who has information about the events that night is asked to come forward.