Background: Roseau County Courthouse in Roseau, Minn. (Google Maps). Inset: Theodore Stewart and Danielle Stewart (Facebook).
Theodore Stewart, 42, and his wife, Danielle Stewart, 39, face charges of negligent storage of firearms connected to the fatal shooting of their youngest son. According to details from a probable cause statement obtained by the Wadena Pioneer Journal, the incident occurred on September 4, when one of McGregor’s older siblings inadvertently discharged a loaded .22 rifle. The bullet struck McGregor in the neck. The older brother informed police that he had not loaded the rifle but failed to ensure it was unloaded before handling it.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the rifle was just one of 34 firearms discovered in the family home, with only one being secured. This alarming detail underscores the ease with which the children in the household could access these weapons.
Further reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune on court documents indicated that officers found a staggering 14 firearms in the Stewarts’ bedroom, many of which were loaded. An additional 13 firearms were stored in a nearby closet, while seven more were located in a closet near the front door, bringing the total to 34 firearms. Police emphasized that all but one of these weapons were unsecured and readily accessible to the children.
In a report to the authorities, it was noted that Theodore Stewart was not present at the time of the shooting, as he had already left for work. Meanwhile, Danielle Stewart was reportedly outside the home when the incident occurred. She subsequently rushed McGregor to the hospital, where, tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
According to police, Theodore Stewart was not at home at the time of the shooting, having left for work. Danielle Stewart was reportedly walking outside the home. She accompanied McGregor to the hospital after he was shot. McGregor died at the hospital.
The Stewarts have four surviving children, ages 10 to 14 years old. After the shooting, they were placed in protective custody, an order that was rescinded a month later.
Theodore and Danielle Stewart were charged on Sept. 30 via summons and were not arrested. They are both scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 3.
