Justin Michael Stewart

Justin Michael Stewart was remembered by those who knew him as a silly, funny, and caring man with an awesome personality. The 30-year-old male worked as a manager at a utility notification center in Portland, Oregon, where his life was cut short in a tragic incident between friends.

In the early morning hours 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 playing with a handgun. Reports indicated that Pierce, believing the firearm was unloaded, pointed it at Stewart in a joking manner and pulled the trigger.

A single shot was fired, striking Stewart in the neck. It was Pierce who immediately called 911 for help and remained by his friend’s side until emergency services arrived. Despite these efforts, Justin Michael Stewart died from his injury. The shooting left two families grappling with a devastating loss under shocking circumstances.

In the aftermath, Tyler Pierce was arrested. He was subsequently charged with manslaughter, unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in public, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The event was characterized not as a malicious act but as the result of a reckless decision that ended one life and forever changed another.

The case concluded when Tyler Pierce was convicted for the fatal shooting of his lifelong friend. Underscoring the tragic and preventable nature of the death, one official involved in the case warned, "Guns are not toys." Following his conviction, Pierce was sentenced to prison, bringing the legal proceedings to a close.