The Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee has upheld the convictions of Girtes L. Stewart, Jr., who was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder and multiple counts of reckless endangerment. The court's decision, issued on September 24, 2026, affects the defendant, the victim, and the broader community by reinforcing the legal consequences of gun violence and reckless behavior.
Stewart was convicted in the Gibson County Circuit Court after a jury trial in June 2024. The court sentenced him to a total of 26 years in confinement for his actions on June 4, 2020, when he fired a gun at his ex-girlfriend, Victoria Turner, and endangered others in her home. This case highlights the serious implications of domestic violence and the legal system's response to such incidents.
The case began when Stewart's relationship with Turner ended, leading to a series of events that culminated in the shooting. After the couple had a physical altercation, Stewart threatened Turner and fired multiple shots at her while she was trying to enter a mobile home where her sister and children were present. The jury convicted Stewart of attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, and seven counts of reckless endangerment.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that included testimony from Turner and law enforcement officers who responded to the incident. Turner described how Stewart had acted erratically and violently during their confrontation. She testified that after Stewart slapped her during a hug, he threatened to kill her and proceeded to shoot at her as she entered the mobile home. The shots struck the exterior of the home, with some bullets entering the living area, putting Turner, her sister, and her children in imminent danger.
The court, led by Judge John W. Campbell, reviewed Stewart's appeal, which claimed insufficient evidence for six counts of reckless endangerment and argued that the trial court erred in denying his request to dismiss charges due to lost evidence. The court found that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support the convictions, stating, "The evidence shows that after the Defendant’s physical altercation with the victim and Ms. Wade, Ms. Wade went back into the mobile home, and the Defendant threatened to kill the victim and went to his car. He obtained his nine-millimeter handgun and began shooting in the direction of the mobile home at the victim."
The court affirmed the trial court's decision, stating that the evidence clearly demonstrated that Turner and her children were in the zone of danger when Stewart fired the gun. The court emphasized that the reckless endangerment charges were justified given the circumstances of the shooting.
In addition to affirming the convictions, the court addressed Stewart's claim regarding the loss of potentially exculpatory evidence. Stewart argued that the prosecution's failure to preserve video-recorded interviews of Turner and her sister violated his right to a fair trial. However, the court ruled that the loss of evidence did not fundamentally affect the fairness of the trial, stating that the remaining evidence was overwhelming and sufficient to support the convictions.
The ruling has significant implications for future cases involving gun violence and domestic disputes. It reinforces the idea that threats and reckless actions with firearms will not be tolerated, especially in situations where innocent bystanders, such as children, are at risk. The court's decision serves as a warning to individuals who may consider using firearms in domestic disputes, emphasizing the legal repercussions of such actions.
Looking ahead, Stewart can appeal the ruling to the Tennessee Supreme Court if he chooses to pursue further legal action. However, the court's affirmation of the lower court's decisions indicates that the evidence against him was compelling, making a successful appeal uncertain. This case may also influence future cases involving similar circumstances, as it underscores the importance of preserving evidence and the consequences of reckless behavior involving firearms.