Port Charlotte, FL – Deputies in Charlotte County have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of fatally shooting his father during a confrontation about work, rent responsibilities, and military paperwork. According to investigators, the incident unfolded Monday outside the family’s Port Charlotte home, roughly 95 miles south of Tampa.
Incident Overview
Authorities said Melquan Stewart is charged with murder after admitting he shot his father, Glenn Stewart, following mounting tension over employment and financial expectations. Court documents state that the father had been paying his son’s rent for the past four months and wanted proof that his son was working on necessary military-related documentation.
Deputies said the father arrived at the residence and remained in the driver’s seat of his Volkswagen Taos SUV, where a conversation began that quickly escalated. This exchange is outlined in a probable cause affidavit referenced by local outlets.
Details From the Affidavit
According to the affidavit, the defendant placed a bag in the rear passenger seat before hearing what he described as “voices” telling him to shoot his father. He admitted to deputies that he had heard such voices before, but this was the first time he acted on them.
Investigators said Stewart fired multiple rounds through the rolled-down front passenger window using a Ruger LC9 handgun. As the shots were fired, Glenn Stewart attempted to reverse the SUV to escape. Officers wrote that the son then ran to the vehicle, pulled his father onto the driveway, and fired one more round.
The affidavit states Stewart then positioned his father’s arms across his chest and “told him that he loved him.”
Attempt to Flee and Return
After the shooting, deputies said the defendant got into the SUV and set his navigation toward Miami, appearing to attempt fleeing the area. At some point during the drive, he reportedly reconsidered and turned around.
By the time Stewart returned, deputies were already at the home. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing an individual pull someone from a vehicle, followed by gunfire, and then noticing someone lying in a driveway with severe bleeding.
Responding units found Glenn Stewart with gunshot wounds primarily on the right side of his body and blood pooled around him. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Arrest at the Scene
Deputies said Melquan Stewart approached officers with visible blood on his clothing and immediately stated he was “coming to turn himself in”, again referencing the voices he claimed to hear. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Inside the SUV, authorities located additional blood evidence and a black semiautomatic handgun in plain view on the front passenger floorboard.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
Stewart made his initial court appearance Monday and is currently being held without bond. A criminal hearing is scheduled for Thursday, where additional details of the case may be presented.
The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the shooting remains ongoing, including whether mental health concerns played a role in the defendant’s reported actions.
Community Reaction and Safety Context
Cases involving violence between family members often raise concerns about escalating domestic tensions and untreated mental health struggles. Deputies urge families to contact authorities or crisis services when confrontations intensify or when individuals exhibit signs of distress, hallucinations, or threatening behavior.
Residents in Port Charlotte expressed shock over the incident, with many noting how quiet the neighborhood typically is and how unexpected such violence felt for the area.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers as investigators continue piecing together the events that led to the tragedy. The court proceedings in the coming days are expected to provide further clarity.
Have you seen similar cases of escalating family disputes in your area? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
