Justin Michael Stewart was remembered by those who knew him as a silly, funny, and caring 30-year-old who worked as a manager at a utility notification center in Portland, Oregon. On the morning of Wednesday, June 19, 2019, Stewart was walking in Northeast Portland after having drinks with his best friend and co-worker, Tyler Pierce.

As they walked near Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Prescott, Pierce began handling a handgun. Reports say Pierce, believing the firearm was unloaded, pointed it at Stewart as a joke and pulled the trigger. A single shot struck Stewart in the neck; he died despite Pierce’s immediate call to 911 and efforts to stay with him until help arrived. Pierce was arrested and charged with manslaughter and related firearm offenses, and later convicted and sentenced.

If anyone knew Justin, Tyler, or was in that area that morning and has information that wasn’t shared publicly, please come forward.