Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/04/poilce_searching_wooded_area_i.html

(http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/venus-r-stewart-a9d914645c2ad938_small.jpg)

Police searching wooded area in St. Joseph County for clues in abduction of Venus Rose Stewart




Michigan State Police troopers and sheriff’s deputies began searching near Adams Lake and Oak Leaf Trail after receiving a tip in the disappearance of Venus Rose Stewart, 32, State Police Lt. Mike Risko said.


COLON TOWNSHIP — Police investigating the abduction of a St. Joseph County woman are searching a wooded area about a mile from where she was last seen, authorities said Friday.

Stewart has been missing since Monday and police believe she was abducted some time between 7:10 and 8:30 a.m. outside her parents' house in the 55000 block of Driftwood Drive in Colon Township. Stewart’s estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, 29, of Newport News, Va., is a person of interest in his wife’s abduction, police have said.

Risko said the tip that police acted on Friday was information that a person saw a man near the shoreline of Adams Lake within the time frame that Venus Stewart is believed to have been taken.

“It’s one of the few tips we’ve got so we’re going to act on it,” Risko said. “At this stage of the game, I don’t think we can let anything slide.”

Contact Rex Hall Jr. at rhall@kalamazoogazette.com or 269-388-7784.

not sure if I did this right or if I was allowed to post ::HelloKitty::  Her husband is person of interest lets see if they can hold on to him.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/04/michigan_state_police_remain_h.html
jpeghttp://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/venus-r-stewart-a9d914645c2ad938_small.jpgjpeg

sorry not good with the pic thing yet.

thanks newfie...I heard about this story last night on NG.
can you imagine disappearing while mailing a letter? they said that it appeared that there was a struggle in the yard and gravel in the driveway..this doesn't look good...imo. sadly

Vehicles found, but no sign of missing woman

May 04, 2010 11:50 AM
COLON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – There are new developments in the case of a missing woman from St. Joseph County.

State police say they've found the two vehicles they were looking for, but they still have not found Venus Stewart.

They were looking for a 1998 Mercury and a Dodge Ram pickup. They found both of them in Virginia.

Stewart was last seen on April 26th at her parent's home in Colon Township.

If you have any information about where she might be, call state police.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1376021-bottom-08in.html

your welcome cookie :)   Here is a site with the timeline and Nancy Grace videos, apparently she was wearing pajama pants and your right there appears to be a scuffle.

http://interceder.net/news/Venus-Rose-Stewart

thank you newfie!

http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-504083_162-10003328.html

More photos of her:

(http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim//2010/05/04/venusstewart_%280%29.jpg)

(http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim//2010/05/04/venusstewart_%281%29.jpg)

(http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim//2010/05/04/venusstewart_%282%29.jpg)

http://www.wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/may/03/bronson-grad-still-missing/
Bronson Grad Still Missing
Monday, May 3, 2010

COLDWATER (WTVB) - Bronson High graduate Venus Rose Stewart went missing a week ago today from Colon Township. He husband remains a person of interest, but it appears Doug Stewart has an alibi.

Friday, a search was conducted in the Adams Lake area near Colon. They found nothing. She had walked out in her pajamas early in the morning last Monday to leave mail for the mailman and left only signs of a struggle in the front yard. Her disappearance remains a total mystery

too many of our women are disappearing and being murdered...this has got to stop!

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/stewart-1376081-state-joseph.html

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Authorities are out in Saint Joseph County, searching for Venus Stewart.

Michigan State Police in White Pigeon tell Newschannel 3 that teams are searching Adams Lake.

They are using side scan sonar to go through the water.

This is the same area where they conducted a foot search last week.

Stewart, a mother of two, has been missing over a week now.

Michigan State Police believe she may have been kidnapped from her parents' home in Colon Township.

Stewart's estranged husband lives in Virginia and has been questioned by authorities.


I agree cookie this seems to be a trend lately.
 

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1005/04/ng.01.html
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: The search continues for 32-year-old Michigan mother of two, Venus Stewart, after a stunning disappearance.

LARRY MCCOMB, MISSING MOM VENUS STEWART`S FATHER: They told me that mommy went outside. So I went outside and she wasn`t there.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Police believe she was taking her mail to the mailbox around 7:30 in the morning and say there was evidence of a scuffle in the yard.

L. MCCOMB: She had hard-soled slippers on, and there were prints from her slippers on the side of the propane tank. Somebody had picked her up and she was kicking against the tank to get away.

GRACE: And you can see where the yard is churned up where she fought.

ELLIE JOSTAD, NANCY GRACE PRODUCER, COVERING STORY: The mother was awarded temporary custody of her two children just a week before she disappeared.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Venus and estranged husband Douglas Stewart, both accuse the other of abuse. Cops calling Douglas Stewart their only person of interest. He denies he has anything to do with his wife`s disappearance.

THERESE MCCOMB, MISSING MOM VENUS STEWART`S MOTHER: She`s the best mom in the world. And I know she would never leave on her own.

(END OF VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Well, they may have had cross-claims and both seeking custody, but she got the custody. That says a lot to me.

To John McNeill, news director, WKZO News Radio, joining us, Kalamazoo, Michigan. It`s almost more than I can take in. About 7:00 a.m. in the morning, mommy goes to the mailbox in her pajamas. She`s never seen alive again.

What more do we know tonight, John McNeill?

JOHN MCNEILL, NEWS DIRECTOR, WKZO NEWSRADIO: Well, we have learned from a filing for a search warrant for Douglas Stewart`s pickup that they may have a lot more evidence than they`ve talked about previous to this. We`re hearing about the discovery of a clear plastic packaging in the driveway that may have been used to cover a tarp.

We`re learning that they have the tire tracks taken from a field nearby, an eyewitness account of a pickup in a field nearby, with a white male crouching behind it about the time of the disappearance.

We`re hearing that -- or we`re reading in this request for a warrant that they want to match the tire patterns that they found in the field with the ones on Douglas Stewart`s pickup truck. That the general tread pattern is similar, but they need to match the actual tires.

This is all new information that we didn`t hear about before. The truck description matches the eyewitness account. It`s a crew cab, a four- wheel pickup truck, light in color, very similar to the Dodge Ram that Douglas Stewart drives.

We -- the only question in my mind is why they waited so long to do this. Why we haven`t -- why this hasn`t been done. Why it was filed yesterday.

GRACE: OK, John McNeill joining us, WKZO News Radio. What did you say about the cab of the vehicle?

MCNEILL: It`s a crew cab. It`s a four-door -- not a unique style but relatively, you know, rare one. Most pickup trucks have two doors, some have four doors. And the one that was seen in the field had four doors just like Douglas Stewart`s.

GRACE: Describe it for me one more time. We`re trying to get a shot of it right now. Are you saying a crew cab, C-R-E within W?

MCNEILL: That`s the nomenclature here in Michigan, the nomenclature is important. If it`s a Ford, it`s a one thing. If it`s a Dodge Ram, it`s called a crew cab. And a crew cab means four doors.

GRACE: I understand. I understand. I see it now. A crew cab. Yes, I understand what you`re talking about.

Everybody, take a look at the vehicle on your right. That is stunning evidence, John McNeill. So you`ve got a man, a white male -- husband, white male -- crouched in the field beside -- is it adjacent or across from the home?

MCNEILL: We don`t know. It was probably up the street a little ways.

GRACE: OK.

MCNEILL: Judging from the layout of the neighborhood, it could have been across the street. It doesn`t specify --

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: Matching the description of his vehicle. The guy crouched down. This is all around 7:00 in the morning.

Joining me right now, a very special guest -- and we are taking your calls live. This is Venus Rose Stewart`s parents, Larry and Therese McComb, joining us from Colon Township.

Thank you so much, Mr. And Mrs. McComb, for being with us. I understand that you were there at the propane tank where, Mr. McComb, you observed heel marks where you believe your daughter kicked in to the propane tank as she was struggling to be set free?

L. MCCOMB: Yes.

GRACE: Is that it behind you?

L. MCCOMB: I didn`t understand you.

GRACE: Is that the tank there behind you?

L. MCCOMB: Yes, it is. That`s the tank with the footprints on it.

GRACE: Are they still there?

L. MCCOMB: Yes, they`re still there.

GRACE: While you are speaking, could we get Miss McComb to go show us where you observed the footprints, if your microphone allows you to move?

L. MCCOMB: No, they`re on the other side of the tank.

GRACE: They`re on the other side. So we can`t see them.

L. MCCOMB: No.

GRACE: When did you first observe them, Mr. McComb? Immediately after she went missing?

L. MCCOMB: No. It was after it was dusted by the state police. They showed right up. They were dusting for fingerprints, I believe.

GRACE: Mr. And Mrs. McComb, joining us tonight. These are Venus Rose Stewart`s parents.

To Miss McComb. Miss McComb, when we`re talking about a white male crouched down beside a pickup truck with a crew cab, resembles a Dodge Ram, where is that field in relation to your home?

T. MCCOMB: Across the street like kitty corner in a vacant lot.

GRACE: Miss McComb, would he have known that she would come out in the morning to leave mail or get to leave mail or get mail?

T. MCCOMB: I don`t know how that was possible. I think -- I don`t know how -- I can`t answer that. Because I really don`t understand that.

GRACE: Mr. McComb, what do you think?

L. MCCOMB: I think it was sheer luck. I wonder if he wasn`t just planning on breaking in the house and taking her.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRACE: Straight out to Sergeant Scott Haines, sheriff`s officer, Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Sergeant, what about the tread pattern? How often do you make those kind of comparisons?

SGT. SCOTT HAINES, SHERIFF`S OFFICER, SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FL.: Those type of comparisons are actually extremely helpful. Tires are very unique in the different nicks that they may have on them, the wear patterns, the placement on the vehicle, whether on the front or the real.

They`re all very unique depending on what type of abuse they`ve had, what they`ve hit. If you get a good tire impression, you can match it specifically up to any tire on a vehicle. So if they do have good tire impressions and they have the actual tire, they can definitely match up an identical tire.

GRACE: With us, Sergeant Scott Haines.

To Dr. Leslie Austin, psychotherapist, New York. Weigh in, Leslie.

DR. LESLIE AUSTIN, PSYCHOTHERAPIST: My heart really goes out to the McCombs, and they`re doing an admirable job for keeping up hope for those grandchildren`s sake. It`s really important not to give up hope until proven otherwise. And we can only hope for the best.

GRACE: Ellie Jostad, weigh in.

JOSTAD: Nancy, we know that the husband claims that he`s been in Virginia the whole time but police are testing that truck, looking for any evidence that might have been in Michigan. They`re looking for soil, insects, fibers that would link it to Michigan.

GRACE: Back to Larry and Therese McComb, Venus Stewart`s parents. I know that you are keeping the children, the two little girls, safe. How are they without their mommy?

T. MCCOMB: They ask a lot about her. They don`t understand. The 5- year-old accidentally seen her on TV. And she said, why is mommy with daddy? She was scared. That scared her. She goes, why is mommy with daddy? She didn`t understand.

GRACE: Miss McComb, you are still praying tonight that she is unharmed and only kidnapped.

T. MCCOMB: I pray. If he -- Doug, if you hear me, please -- those little girls love their mommy so much. If you love your children, please, please -- don`t do anything to hurt her please.

Case archive album:

http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Venus%20Stewart/

Officers search lake for missing woman

May 05, 2010 12:00 PM
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Authorities are out in Saint Joseph County, searching for Venus Stewart.

Michigan State Police in White Pigeon tell Newschannel 3 that teams are searching Adams Lake.

They are using side scan sonar to go through the water.This is the same area where they conducted a foot search last week.

Stewart, a mother of two, has been missing over a week now.

Michigan State Police believe she may have been kidnapped from her parents' home in Colon Township.

Stewart's estranged husband lives in Virginia and has been questioned by authorities.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/stewart-1376081-state-joseph.html

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1376107-bottom-newschannel.html

Search of lake turns up no signs of missing mother
Comments 1 | Recommend 0
May 05, 2010 5:43 PM
COLON, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Another search has turned up no sign of a mother missing from St. Joseph County.

 

32-year-old Venus Stewart disappeared at the end of April from her parent's home in Colon Township. Investigators believe someone kidnapped her.

 

On Wednesday, Michigan State Police searched Adams Lake in Colon. They had searched the same area on foot earlier, but returned Wednesday with dive teams and sonar.

 

Adams Lake is only about four miles outside of Colon, not an easy place to find, but it is in the same general area where Stewart disappeared.

 

Around the time of Stewart's disappearance, something unusual happened in the area.

 

“Some guy came out of the woods, out of nowhere,” said Leana Powell, “came up behind me and asked, 'do you know where I am?'”

 

Powell reported that man to police.

 

Officials will neither confirm or deny whether that man was Venus' estranged husband, Douglas Stewart. Authorities have spoken to him in Virginia and say his alibi appears to check out.

 

However, the appearance of that man was enough to bring sonar equipment and dive teams out to search Adams Lake for evidence. That search wrapped up by mid-afternoon, and left police empty handed.

 

Neighbors expressed their frustration that their remote, and previously quiet part of the world has been turned upside down.

 

“It's quiet, and then something like this happens,” said Adams Lake resident Mark Thomason. “I try to keep looking over my shoulder.”

 

While the lake has been searched, police say they will be back, they are planning to search the wooded marsh lands next, they just have to wait for the water levels to go down a bit.

 
I am thinking if she was abducted outside her home she was probably taken a little further away. This person wanted to get out of there after the struggle.  He probably snuck up from behind, put his hand over her mouth, whereas she struggled. I am wondering if he had chloroform?  This person was able to overpower her quickly and get her out of sight. How far did he carry her? Does it say anywhere the distance between the field and the house. I am thinking the timeline is when someone woke up and discovered her gone. I wonder how quickly the police arrived? The area is rural but a neighbor saw someone lurking and crouching behind a truck in a nearby field. This is all just my opinion but it makes sense as to how it may have transpired.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1005/05/ng.01.html
GRACE: You observed heel marks where you believe your daughter kicked into the propane tank as she was struggling to be set free?

LARRY MCCOMB, FATHER: Yes, it is. That`s the tank with the footprints on it. It was after it was dusted by the state police. They showed right up. They were dusting it for fingerprints, I believe.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Michigan State Police investigators say her husband, Doug Stewart, is considered a person of interest, but so far maintains he was in Virginia at the time of her disappearance.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... discovery of clear plastic packaging in the driveway that may have been used to cover a tarp.

LARRY MCCOMB: She was scared to death of her husband.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... tire tracks taken from a field nearby, an eyewitness account of a pick-up in a field nearby, with a white male crouching behind it about the time of the disappearance.

LARRY MCCOMB: She told me that he was going to get her.


snip

GRACE: Good evening. I`m Nancy Grace. I want to thank you for being with us. Bombshell tonight. As we go to air, investigators using high-tech sonar, Adams Lake. It`s a body of water about 20 minutes from the home where mother two girls Venus Stewart vanishes. And specialized crime techs at this moment en route to search two vehicles both belonging to Mommy`s estranged husband.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now cops searching a local lake for evidence in the case of missing mom Venus Stewart, police using side-scan sonar equipment.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At 7:30 in the morning, people are up, getting ready for work, whatever. But nobody saw anything.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Michigan State Police reportedly say they`re sending crime lab techs to Virginia to search estranged husband Douglas Stewart`s cars, a Mercury sedan and a Dodge Ram pick-up truck.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... search warrant for Douglas Stewart`s pick- up. They may have a lot more evidence than they`ve talked about. The truck description matches the eyewitness account. It`s a crew cab, a four-wheel pick-up truck very similar to the Dodge Ram Douglas Stewart drives.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We now that the husband claims that he`s been in Virginia the whole time, but police are testing that truck, looking for any evidence it might have been in Michigan.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They want to match the tire patterns that they found in the field with the ones on Douglas Stewart`s pick-up truck.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I pray, if he -- Doug, if you hear me, please! Those little girls love their mommy so much! If you love your children, please, please don`t do anything to hurt her! Please!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Straight out to Ellie Jostad, on the story. Ellie, what`s the latest?

ELLIE JOSTAD, NANCY GRACE PRODUCER: Nancy, today the Michigan State Police had divers in that lake again. This is the lake that they were at last Friday. Last Friday, they were only able to search the wooded area around the lake. Today, they got in the lake using very sophisticated side-scan sonar, looking for any piece of evidence that could link them to Venus Stewart and what might have happened to her.

GRACE: We are taking your calls live. Very quickly, to special guest joining us out of Miami, Jordan Harvell, with underwater search and recovery. He is an expert. Jordan, thank you for being with us. Very quickly, to those unfamiliar with side-scan sonar, explain what it is in a nutshell.

JORDAN HARVELL, UNDERWATER SEARCH & RECOVERY EXPERT (via telephone): Well, side-scan sonar sends out sound waves. And when those sound waves ounce off objects, they create a shadow. And these shadows are looked at by an interpreter on a monitor who determines what the object might be, whether it`s a car or a boat or a tire or even a body. And it`s up to that interpreter to determine, you know, the best scenario to follow through with that information.

GRACE: Jordan, it sounds like a sonogram or an ultrasound.

HARVELL: Very similar. And it`s just something that you place in the water that gives out the sound waves to the surrounding area and helps the divers to have a better location to search.

GRACE: OK, Jordan, so side-scan sonar works on sound waves, but it actually does create a picture of sorts, correct?

HARVELL: Correct.

GRACE: So police could see whether they are looking at a tree trunk or a tire off a car or a body. Yes, no.

HARVELL: Yes.

GRACE: OK. Generally speaking. Everybody, we are taking your calls live. We are talking about missing mom, a gorgeous young mom -- everyone absolutely adored her, and most especially her two little girls, who are in hiding tonight. Venus Rose Stewart is just 32 years old. She goes out -- there she is. Take a look. She goes out the front yard to the mailbox to mail a letter, 7:00 o`clock AM, in her pajamas. She`s never seen again, her two girls inside, waiting on her to come back.

You`re seeing home video from Doug Stewart`s MySpace page, everybody. We have obtained some new video and we wanted to show it to you immediately, in case anyone out there has seen her. Tip line, 269- 483-7611.

So Ellie, they are side-scan sonar at Adams Lake. How far away is Adams Lake from the mailbox where Mommy disappeared?

JOSTAD: Well, Nancy, as the crow flies, it`s only about a mile away. But we`re told that this is a remote area. It`s not easy to find. It`s not easy to get to. And that actually, from the house to the lake -- the edge of the lake there, could take you up to 20 minutes to get there by the access roads.

GRACE: Also with us tonight, John McNeill, news director, WKZO Newsradio, joining us from Kalamazoo. John, what`s the latest? And then searching those two vehicles that belong to the estranged husband.

JOHN MCNEILL, WKZO NEWSRADIO (via telephone): Apparently, they`ve dispatched a state police forensics team to Virginia to go over those vehicles. They are currently in the possession of the Newport News police, and they will be spending who knows how long going through the two vehicles, looking for whatever they can find that might lead them to suspect the car had -- or the truck had been driven to Michigan.

GRACE: With us, John McNeill from Michigan. And with us tonight, special guest, taking your calls, Therese McComb. This is Venus`s mother. Ms. McComb, thank you for being with us. First of all, before I even talk about Venus, how are the little girls doing tonight? I know you`re in touch with them almost every hour.

THERESE MCCOMB: They`re doing good. They`re as good as they can be. They want to know where their mother is. They love her. They`re hurt. She`s their whole world. I don`t know what they`re going to do. I don`t know what`s going to happen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY MCCOMB: After police dusted for prints -- she had hard-soled slippers on, and there were prints from her slippers on the side of the propane tank, like somebody had picked her up and she was kicking against the tank to get away.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Venus Stewart was last seen in her pajamas. Police believe she was taking her mail to the mailbox around 7:30 in the morning (INAUDIBLE) scuffle in the yard.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Police dive teams searching Adams Lake right now in the search for Venus Stewart.

GRACE: Would he have known that she would come out in the morning to leave mail or get mail?

THERESE MCCOMB: I don`t know how that was possible. I think -- I don`t know how. I can`t answer that because I really don`t understand that.

LARRY MCCOMB: I think it was sheer luck. I wonder if he wasn`t just planning on breaking in the house and taking her.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The mother to 3 and 5-year-old girls vanishes. Venus`s parents say she loved being a mom and would never, ever leave her children. Perhaps even more disturbing, Venus wearing only pajamas and slippers. Venus`s estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, named a person of interest because of an alleged rocky marriage. After allegations of abuse made by both parents, Venus just winning temporary custody of her 3 and 5-year-old daughters.

THERESE MCCOMB: She was the best Mommy in the world. And I know she would never leave on her own. There`s no way she would ever leave on her own.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: As we go to air tonight, side-scan sonar is searching Adams Lake. It`s a body of water about 20 minutes, about 20 miles away from the home where Mommy disappeared. After much estrangement between her and her husband -- they`re in the midst of a divorce -- Mommy had moved home with her two little girls with her mother and father, the girls ages 3 and 5. She had told people she feared for her life.

Then in the morning, 7:00 AM -- all of us have gone out to the mailbox early in the morning before -- Mommy is apparently kidnapped after a struggle, an intense struggle at the family`s mailbox in broad daylight. Is it true nobody saw a thing?

Out to John McNeill, WKZO Newsradio, Kalamazoo. John, I understand that now we`ve got tire tread marks in the field where a neighbor says she sees a pick-up truck, a crew cab pick-up truck with a white male crouched beside it around 7:00 AM that morning. It`s catty-corner to the family home. Do you know about the tread marks?

MCNEILL: I would assume that they have taken molds or plaster casts of those tracks, and they probably flew them to Virginia, too, to see if they could match them up with the tires that are on the truck right now. That would be my assumption. It depends on the quality of the tread marks that were left, of course, and whether or not they can match them up.

GRACE: OK. What do you know, Ellie?

JOSTAD: Nancy, actually, in that search warrant that we obtained yesterday, police said that they had taken pictures of the tread on Doug Stewart`s truck in Virginia, but they wanted the physical tire itself to match that to those tread marks they found at the scene.

GRACE: Everybody, we are taking your calls live. To Therese McComb -- this is Venus Stewart`s mother. Ms. McComb, what are police telling you? I know that specialized crime scene techs are on their way from Michigan to Virginia to comb those two vehicles. What are police telling you tonight?

THERESE MCCOMB: They don`t tell us a whole lot. They sort of keep us in the dark. I mean, I don`t know if it`s to protect their case or what, but all we -- we sit by the phone waiting for answers all the time, hoping, praying that just something will change. We don`t understand a lot of things. We just don`t understand why he -- he won`t talk to police. He never talked to the police. But now he`s talking to the press. I don`t understand that. And why couldn`t they find the vehicles before?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY MCCOMB: I went to the neighbor`s house across the street and asked them if they`d seen my daughter. She said, no, she hadn`t seen her. I came back in the house and I called 911 because I knew what happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Cops searching a local lake for evidence.

GRACE: Mommy goes to the mailbox in her pajamas. She`s never seen alive again.

LARRY MCCOMB: I was stone dead, sleeping. I heard the kids getting really loud, and I thought, Why is Venus letting those kids be so loud when she knows I`m in here sleeping? And I got up to chew her out, and she was gone.

GRACE: What did the kids tell you?

LARRY MCCOMB: They told me that, Mommy went outside. So I went outside and she wasn`t there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: It`s almost too much to take in. You go to the mailbox to mail a letter in the front yard, and all that`s left behind is signs of a struggle.

We are taking your calls live. To Jane in Virginia. Hi, Jane.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, Nancy. How are you this evening?

GRACE: I`m good, dear. What`s your question.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My question is, having been a felony court reporter in Charlottesville, Virginia, for many years and having seen many restraint orders issued against people, you get a sense of the ones that are more serious than others. And my question is, how come there can`t be more done to protect the ones that appear to be really genuinely more serious than others?

I know they can`t have around-the-clock police protection for all the restraining orders issued. There`s just not that many police available. But there are cases that you can tell, you know, that this is serious. But yet, you know -- that piece of paper is not going to stop a lot of people. And it doesn`t.

GRACE: Jane, Jane in Virginia, you, as a court reporter, have seen it all.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, ma`am. Too much. (INAUDIBLE)

GRACE: Some of my best friends I`ve ever had have been my court reporters during all those trials when I was a prosecutor. Hey, Jane in Virginia, look what I`ve got in my hand. Look at this. This is all the police work on all the TROs, back and forth, that was filed in this case. You know, I don`t understand why it`s the way it is.

Pat Brown, weigh in.

PAT BROWN, CRIMINAL PROFILER: I have a problem with this, too, Nancy. I think that when you have a restraining order that`s about violence, it should be very clear, you cannot contact in any way, shape or form, or you go right to jail.

GRACE: But Pat...

BROWN: We don`t have that.

GRACE: Pat, there are always typically men that a restraining order isn`t worth the paper it`s written on to them. They will break it.

BROWN: That is true. And if you`ve got that kind, what I say to these women, which is so important, you cannot be alone even for one minute. We`ve seen this with Venus. Even to go out to the mailbox, don`t be alone.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Police using side scan sonar equipment, searching a local lake for evidence in the case of missing mom Venus Stewart.

NANCY GRACE, HOST: Where were the girls when this happened?

LARRY MCCOMB, MISSING MOM VENUS STEWART`S FATHER: They were in the front room of my house. And I was sleeping in my bedroom. Like 20 feet away.

GRACE: Is there any -- is there any way they could have seen what happened?

L. MCCOMB: No.

THERESE MCCOMB, MISSING MOM VENUS STEWART`S MOTHER: Not the way our house sits. We have no windows on that side of our house. All of our windows face down toward the river. And they were in the front room on the river side.

She told me earlier she was going to go mail a letter, she need to mail a letter. But she should have told her father when she went out.

(END OF VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: We are taking your calls live. Out to Therese McComb, this is Venus` mother.

Miss McComb, where does the estranged husband say that he was when Venus was kidnapped from the mailbox?

T. MCCOMB: He claims to be in Virginia, but the whole day -- see, he calls every day because he was ordered -- he could call us every day, once a day, to talk to the children. But on that day, he never called. That`s the only day he`s missed is the day that Venus came up missing.

GRACE: Miss McComb, how long has he had that phone visitation? And is it always at the same time of the day?

T. MCCOMB: No. It was -- I think he was just told he could call once a day. You know, it was at a time where she was giving -- where she was given custody of the children.

GRACE: Yes.

T. MCCOMB: And they told him all he had was the privilege of calling them on the phone. He had no --

GRACE: OK. So, Miss McComb, was it -- did he call at the same time of the day or night every day?

T. MCCOMB: Pretty much. Pretty much.

GRACE: What time?

T. MCCOMB: About 8:00.

GRACE: 8:00 p.m.

T. MCCOMB: Yes.

GRACE: 8:00 p.m. And so how many days did he call -- I mean, how long has he been calling like this?

T. MCCOMB: Since the day that we went to court and they gave him the right to call us. And that`s --

GRACE: OK, and so -- the day that your daughter Venus is kidnapped in her pajamas, 7:00 in the morning at the mailbox, that`s the only day he has failed to call his daughters?

T. MCCOMB: Right. And he`s still calling our house. I don`t talk to him. I just pick the phone up and put it down.

GRACE: OK. How far away is his apartment? How many hours is it away from you in Michigan?

T. MCCOMB: I`ve never droven (sic) there myself, but I`ve heard it`s like 10 hours.

GRACE: OK. Now, he says, Miss McComb, that he has two eyewitnesses that will place him in Virginia, right?

T. MCCOMB: Right.

GRACE: OK. Who are they? Who are these eyewitnesses?

T. MCCOMB: I have no idea.

GRACE: OK. Let me go back to the reporters. Ellie Jostad, where does he say he was? It`s nine hours away.

ELLIE JOSTAD, NANCY GRACE PRODUCER, COVERING STORY: Yes. He does indeed say that he was in Newport News, Virginia. He says that he has two witnesses that know he was there. He hasn`t told us who those witnesses are, but he says he had two witnesses that have talked to police that can verify that he was there in Newport News.

GRACE: Did he agree to talk to any producers on our show, Ellie?

JOSTAD: Well, he`s spoken on the phone, yes. With our producers.

GRACE: Yes. But he wouldn`t tell who the alibi witnesses are.

JOSTAD: Right, he didn`t give those names.

GRACE: Would he give us a specific -- I was at a bar having a drink or I was at Denny`s having a grand slam at 7:00 in the morning, or I was at work?

JOSTAD: No. We do not have that specific information.

GRACE: OK. Got it. Back to Miss McComb.

Miss McComb, what does he do for a living?

T. MCCOMB: He`s a truck driver.

GRACE: So he sets his own schedule.

T. MCCOMB: Yes.

GRACE: So he doesn`t have to punch a clock or be anywhere at any particular time, yes, no?

T. MCCOMB: Well, yes -- well, he`s a -- he delivers food service like to restaurants and stuff.

GRACE: OK.

T. MCCOMB: So yes, he has to be pretty much on schedule or they want to know where he`s at.

GRACE: All right. Because he`s got to make those deliveries.

T. MCCOMB: I worked in restaurants all my life, yes.

GRACE: Unless he has somebody else --

T. MCCOMB: I`ve worked (INAUDIBLE) all my life.

GRACE: Unless he has somebody else make those deliveries for him. Right?

T. MCCOMB: Possibly.

GRACE: Do you know was he working the day your daughter went missing?

T. MCCOMB: No, I don`t know that.

GRACE: OK. Let`s go out to Paul Penzone, director, Prevention Programs, Childhelp.org, former sergeant, Phoenix PD.

Paul, what do you make of this? Number one, I would check the E-Z passes -- that`s what they call them in some states -- the tolls between Virginia and Michigan. And I would immediately get every single photograph, put an APB on both of these vehicles to see if he traveled back and forth.

But people these days are not idiots. All right? You know that there is video and camera surveillance all along the interstates now.

PAUL PENZONE, DIRECT OF PREVENTION PROGRAMS, CHILDHELP.ORG, FMR. SERGEANT, PHOENIX PD: Absolutely. You know, we educate them oftentimes too much, to our detriment, but you`re looking at a pretty broad timeframe. At least 20 hours of travel.

I mean if you`re looking if he`s the one, conducting some surveillance before he actually abducted her, people need to be remember that you don`t have to be a witness to a crime at the scene. You can be a witness prior to the crime or after that are critical to finding out who`s possible.

So the community really needs to pay attention to those details. And what you pointed out, those areas of travel are all going to have some type of surveillance or other methods of technology that might help identify where he was if he was involved in this.

GRACE: OK. Dana -- point well taken, Paul Penzone.

Put up the map. We`re talking about from between Michigan -- rural Michigan -- to Virginia. This would have been the route. He says he has two eyewitnesses. Then why have police named him a person of interest?

Unleash the lawyers. Randy Kessler, defense attorney, Atlanta, Alan Ripka, defense attorney in New York.

Randy Kessler, don`t you think if he didn`t have anything to hide he would be cooperating fully and be open about where he was? I mean I know where I was this morning at 7:00 a.m. I know exactly where I am every morning at 7:0 a.m.

RANDY KESSLER, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, the best decision he made was to have a lawyer. He obviously had connections with lawyers. He`s been through three or four restraining orders. A divorce. And I`m sure his lawyer is saying, you keep it under wraps and we`ll talk privately.

But look, if they`re naming him the --

GRACE: Put Kessler up. Put Kessler up. They have two little girls in common, ages 3 and 5.

Kessler, I happen to know for a fact that you and Ripka have children. So even if you are estranged from your wife, it is the mother of your children. Don`t you think that you would want to fully cooperate in finding the mother? Your children`s mother? As opposed to lawyering up?

I mean, why wouldn`t he tell our show where he was? Why wouldn`t he say, I was at Denny`s having a grand slam. I was at McDonald`s having an egg McMuffin.

I mean why can`t he tell us that?

KESSLER: One doesn`t exclude the other. You don`t have to not hire a lawyer to be able to help find your children. But certainly when you are the person that`s going to be looked at, when you got this family violence issue, and you are the sole suspect you need a lawyers.

GRACE: Well, you know --

KESSLER: That doesn`t --

GRACE: Alan Ripka, to me, that`s all the more reason you want to put it out there and rule yourself out immediately so cops can focus on the correct perpetrator.

ALAN RIPKA, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, Nancy, what`s amazing here is the person who did this would have been -- had to have been outside the house surveying the house. It`s unlikely that her husband would be out there for hours hoping she walked out to the mailbox just in time to kidnap her.

GRACE: Really?

RIPKA: More likely -- it`s more likely someone driving by.

GRACE: You think so?

RIPKA: Yes.

GRACE: Because, Ellie Jostad, what exactly did the neighbor see?

JOSTAD: Well, Nancy, there is a neighbor who said -- and this is a neighbor that lives about a thousand feet away from the home where she was abducted. She said that she saw a white male crouching behind a light-colored, four-door pickup truck, and she says that -- you know she looked again five minutes later, the truck was gone.

GRACE: To Debbie in Wyoming. What`s your question, dear?

DEBBIE, CALLER FROM WYOMING: Hi, Nancy. How are you tonight?

GRACE: I`m good, dear.

DEBBIE: I just want to let you know my mom Harriet Crystal and I never miss your show. We think you`re awesome.

GRACE: Thank you, Debbie. I`ve been to Wyoming a couple of times. It`s one of the prettiest country in the world.

DEBBIE: Yes.

GRACE: You`re blessed.

DEBBIE: It is.

GRACE: What is your country, love?

DEBBIE: You know, I have questions but it just breaks my heart to hear those parents, and I just can`t do it. So I just want to send our prayers out to them. And tell them that we`re praying every day that she comes home to her two children.

GRACE: Therese McComb and her husband, I know, appreciate that.

Everyone, we`re taking your calls live. As we go to break, we remember two fallen heroes killed in the line of duty, Nevada officer, Ian Deutch, and Louisiana officer, J.R. Searcy. Both serving Afghanistan, both canine officers.

Twenty-seven-year-old Ian Deutch gunned down during a domestic dispute in front of the Lakeside Casino. Deputy Searcy, just finishing a 12- hour shift, shot to death after volunteering to back up another deputy on a call. He also saved the life of a mother of three donating his organs.

Deutch leaves behind grieving widow Vicky, children Savannah and John. Searcy leaves behind grieving widow Carrie, children Justin, Megan, Nick.

Deputy Ian Deutch and Deputy J.R. Searcy. Good night, friends.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/released-1376149-county-search.html

(http://images.onset.freedom.com/wwmt/l20gk5-suspectsketch.jpg)

Sketch released in search for missing woman
2010-05-06 14:26:29

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Michigan State Police have released a sketch of a person they are looking for in the disappearance of Venus Stewart.

Stewart went missing between 7:10 am and 8:30 am on April 26, 2010 from her parent’s home in the 55000 block of Driftwood Drive in the Township of Colon. She was last seen wearing pajamas.

The man that police are looking for is in his late 20's or early 30's, is approximately 5'5”-5'8” tall and weighs about 150-160 pounds. He was last seen in the area of Adams Lake in northeast St. Joseph County, about a mile from where Stewart went missing.

Police say that the man is not a suspect, they just want to speak to him.

If you have any information you are asked to call the MSP White Pigeon Post at 269-483-7611 or 616-866-6666.

(http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/douglas-harrie-stewart-8f99b9b92e06448b_small.jpg)
 Douglas Stewart

(http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2010/05/06/sketch_20100506125229_320_240.JPG)
sketch

Looks close to me.  Wonder how old that photo of Douglas Stewart is?  Wonder if he had or has a mustache now?

With the exception of the mustache, which would make the end of the nose appear a little different, looks very similar.  The eyes have it IMO

Hi Monkey's,

Do you think a "baseball hat and sunglasses" would have been worn by her husband? He had a restraining order on him.

I am puzzled but then again I'm not, don't think it was the husband, 'cause if her parents saw him first, he would go to jail

for violation of the R.O.  The hubby I would still would be disguised if he was scouting around her house?

Court documents show Douglas and Venus had a strained marriage, including a history of domestic violence. Venus had been arrested for hitting Douglas. But in July 2008, she filed for a personal protection order against him, citing sexual and physical abuse.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/MSP-Colon-Twp-woman-possibly-abducted


They both sounded like they were nuts.  ::MonkeyEek::

Search For Missing Colon Woman Continues
Posted Friday May 7, 2010 3 hours, 58 minutes ago
suspect 3

Person Of Interest

COLDWATER (WTVB) - State Police in St. Joseph County say he is not a suspect in the abduction and disappearance of 32-year-old Venus Stewart, but they still want to talk to him. The man was seen by two different people at Adams Lake prior to the woman’s abduction, and they thought it was suspicious.

For one thing, he was wet, as if he had been swimming in the frigid water. He is around 30, with a medium build and medium height with short dark hair and a moustache. They have searched the lake twice because of the sighting and want to determine if his appearance and her disappearance are at all connected.

Meanwhile, State Police Forensics Teams from Michigan are pouring over the two vehicles owned by Douglas Stewart, who remains a person of interest in the abduction of his wife, Venus. We have also learned that they have obtained a warrant to search his home, and to obtain fingerprint and DNA samples.

Of primary interest will be comparing tire treads on the Dodge Ram Pickup with plaster casts of tracks left in a field near the Colon Township home where Venus was staying with her parents. Her dad Larry McComb told CNN that he may have been stalking the place and snatched her when she came out to put mail in the mailbox.

A woman who lives in the neighborhood says she saw a pickup, roughly matching the description of Stewart’s Crew Cab parked in that field that morning, with a man crouching down behind it. Doug Stewart says he has no knowledge of her disappearance was in Virginia when it happened and says he hope police find her alive for the sake of their children.

http://www.wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/may/07/searc/

Missing mom case leads to Newport News
Detectives want truck found near husband's home
Updated: Friday, 07 May 2010, 7:08 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 07 May 2010, 6:31 PM EDT

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Police in Western Michigan are pursuing leads on a missing persons case in Newport News.

Investigators enlisted the help of the Newport News police department to find clues about a woman they fear is dead. Venus Stewart disappeared on April 26. Her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, lives in Newport News.

Earlier this year a court awarded Venus custody of their 3 and 5-year-old daughters, and she moved to her parent's home in St. Joseph County near Kalamazoo, Mich.

Police have not named Douglas as a suspect, but court records show investigators believe he may be involved.

According to court documents filed in Newport News Circuit Court, a Michigan detective had concerns Venus "may have been abducted" and "may have been killed."

Records show that when Michigan State police went to Venus's parents home, the last place anyone saw her, they quickly learned Venus and Douglas separated in February. They realized there was a protection order on file. Police said Venus had told several people she was "afraid" that if she left her husband he would "take me, kill me. and come back for the kids."

Douglas Stewart lives in a high rise apartment in Newport News. He told a 10 On your Side sister station he was in Virginia when his wife disappeared. 10 On your Side was unable to reach him for comment.

On April 28, a Newport News sergeant found a silver 2005 Dodge, four-door, pickup truck parked outside Douglas' apartment building. Michigan police wrote to Newport News counterparts that there may be evidence in the truck.

The affidavit for a search warrant explained, Venus owned a silver 2005 Dodge, four-door, pickup truck. Douglas had possession of the truck. A witness in Michigan told investigators she saw someone "crouched behind" a similar truck, just before Venus disappeared.

Newport News police have already taken pictures of the tire tread on the pickup truck. According to court records, a forensic scientist said the pictures show a general "tread pattern agreement" with tire impressions found near the suspected crime scene. Forensic investigators want to see the tires in person for additional tests.

In seeking help from Newport News, a Michigan detective said he also wanted to search the Dodge pickup truck for blood, hair, tarp, and the clothing Venus was wearing when she was last seen.

Authorities in Michigan are still searching for 32-year-old Venus. Douglas Stewart has not been charged in connection with the case.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/newport_news/missing-mom-case-leads-to-newport-news

Could easily be fake

Dad finds handwritten notes from Venus
Allegations against estranged husband made

Updated: Thursday, 06 May 2010, 11:03 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 06 May 2010, 5:03 PM EDT

* By Jessica Leffler

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - As the investigation into the disappearance of Venus Stewart continues, some handwritten notes have surfaced alleging her estranged husband was involved in inappropriate touching with the couple's children.

24 Hour News 8 obtained a copy of the handwritten notes by Venus detailing her daughter's story. According to the documents, her daughter told Venus about the incident in February 2010.

The notes were provided by Larry McComb, Venus' father, who said he stumbled across the papers in a drawer. February is when Venus left her husband, Douglas Stewart, and moved in with the McCombs in Colon Township, Larry McComb added.

The Schoolcraft Police Department investigated the claims made in the notes. Allegedly, Douglas had one of his daughters touch him inappropriately. A younger sibling was home at the time of the alleged incident, but in a different room.

The Kalamazoo County prosecutor's office told 24 Hour News 8 no charges were filed against Douglas because there was "insufficient evidence."

Venus recently was awarded full custody of the two children.

Doug emphasized how worried he is about his wife in a phone call Wednesday with 24 Hour News 8. He was in Virginia when Venus disappeared and police say his alibi is solid. Doug was unavailable for comment by phone Thursday.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/Dad-finds-handwritten-letter-from-Venus

Why didn't Venus take her allegations to a doctor or the court?  I think both of these guys were scambled eggs.

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

She filed divorce three times and he filed for divorce once.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

She moved with him from Michigan to Virginia?  If she was so petrified why didn't she stay in MI?

Both of these guys were so tormented, poor children.

http://www.wvec.com/news/local/Search-for-missing-mom-brings-Michigan-State-troopers-to-Hampton-Roads-93173239.html

by Brian Farrell

13NEWS / WVEC.com

Posted on May 7, 2010 at 11:27 PM


NEWPORT NEWS -- "I've never seen any problems or any issues," says Dana Jones, who lives at River Park Tower. "It was just a little different to see, you know, so much commotion going on."

The surge in activity came with the arrival of police, including Michigan State troopers. Last week, Venus Stewart, a mother of two, disappeared from her parents' home in Colon Township, Michigan. Investigators believe someone snatched Stewart early in the morning April 26, after she walked to the mailbox at the end of her parents' driveway.

The 32-year-old lived in Newport News, where her estranged husband, Doug, still lives. He's a tenant at River Park Tower.

"I saw, like, cops lined up, and people were just staring, like, wondering what's going on," says Kiara Roundtree whose boyfriend lives in the apartment building. "People that live on the ninth floor were saying they saw the cops on the ninth floor, like, kind of knocking on someone's door."

Michigan State Police had forensics specialists come to examine a truck they say Stewart's husband had. At this point, police say the 29-year-old is their "only person of interest."

Reports indicate the Stewarts had a turbulent relationship, and that, a week before Stewart's disappearance, a judge awarded her custody of their children.

13News tried repeatedly to reach Doug Stewart Friday, each time, getting a busy signal.

 

anybody heard what his "solid" alibi is?

Hi Cookie,

No I haven't heard his alibi, just rumors floating around on other sleuth sites.
 ::MonkeyConfused::

Trynottojudge writes this comment:

snip...


 However, when I cross referenced Venus herself I found in 2008 july she was arrested for Domestic Violence and sentened to 1 yr probation in Portage. Then another Arrest in November of 2008 for Domestic Violence this time with a weapon. In feb. she was sentenced with a plee agreement to Disturbing the peace. I also found that not only did her husband put a PPO on her in 2008 but another boyfriend of hers in 2000 ... snip...

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/MSP-Colon-Twp-woman-possibly-abducted#idc-cover

sorry, the above comment was taken from this time.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Body-found-at-Portage-Central

Body found at Portage Central
Police investigating incident

Updated: Saturday, 08 May 2010, 1:51 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 08 May 2010, 1:16 PM EDT

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) - A body was found on the campus of Portage Central High School Saturday morning, witnesses told 24 Hour News 8.

According to witnesses, the body was found by a person walking their dog around 10:45 a.m.

Portage police and school officials told 24 Hour News 8 the victim died from what appears to be a self-inflicted wound.

The victim has not been identified, but officials say it is not a student at the school.

The body of a 48-year-old Portage man was found Saturday morning near the tennis courts at Portage Central High...police will not release the man’s name. (Suicide)
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/body_found_near_tennis_courts.html

Breaking news! Apparent blood stains found in both vehicles belonging to the estranged husband of a Michigan mom abducted when she went to the mailbox in her pajamas to post a letter! Plus, search warrants reveal a receipt discovered in the husband's truck for a shovel, tarp, cap, and gloves. Is this a new break in the case? Nancy Grace has the latest breaking developments, 8 & 10 p.m. ET on HLN.

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/nancy.grace/   

 ::MonkeyNoNo:: I hope Nancy knows what she is talking about...she is on 'repeat' until Monday...so if true, I am sure we will know much more before her Monday night show airs  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Nut, I hope so too!
Sorry I have been spelling Nutt -- don't know why after all this time you'd think I'd get it right
 :smt102
 :clown:
 ::lookie::

Portage, MI is where Venus was living with her parents?  Hymm... ::MonkeyEek::

Thank-you for the link.

He likely had shovel, cap and gloves on hand, seems it is the way they lived. The blood in the vehicles, same thing, they duked it out for the six years of the marriage, they both (him and her) probably had blood in the vehicle's. IMO.  ::MonkeyRoll::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNF9TffuY_M

at 56 / 1:23

you will hear the husband's voice and it sounds slightly nervous to me, it is I believe his breathing when speaking to the News.

He actually sounds like Scott Peterson, JMO. ::MonkeyNoNo::

Venus photo is on his web page


http://www.myspace.comxxxxx (Edit to remove link/nude photo- MB)
 ::MonkeyShocked::

seahorse:  If you ever come across something like this that needs to be deleted, you can ask a moderator to please delete it in a post below the offending thread or you can ask another poster to use the report to moderator function, which is  down in the right hand corner of a post.  Ask someone else to report your post, because you cannot report yourself.  In future, please don't go to other threads and post the offensive link there also.  I think you can understand why.  If it shouldn't be posted in one thread, don't put it in another.... MuffyBee

OK, thanks, Muffybee, for the important info and for not stinging me with that gigantic bee, whew.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2010m5d8-Venus-Stewart-update-State-troopers-search-Hampton-Roads-for-missing-Michigan-woman-video

The search supposedly has expanded, video on the second photo below the article.

It's all good, seahorse  ::MonkeyCool::  Sometimes the content of links can take us by surprise  ::MonkeyWink::  Just let us know and try not to post the link any more times than you have to... ::MonkeyDevil::

 ::bee:: Thank-you MuffyBee for your understanding.
His webpage was perfect when I read it, honestly, then I posted it and reviewed once more and then  ::MonkeyShocked::
a girlie was posted. I lifted the site from the KGB (WS)  ::MonkeyCool:: I guess that will teach me.  ::MonkeyDevil::

MSP: Evidence found vs. Venus' husband
Apparent blood stain found on Doug's truck
Updated: Monday, 10 May 2010, 6:39 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 10 May 2010, 4:14 PM EDT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - An apparent blood stain was found in Douglas Stewart's truck, the Michigan State Police reported Monday afternoon.

Police executed search warrants at Stewart's Newport News, Va. home, where he once lived with Venus Stewart, who has been missing since April 26.

She was last seen in front of her parents' Colon Township home around 7:30 a.m., when she went out to the mailbox in her pajamas. Venus had been living with her parents and was in the process of divorcing Douglas, her estranged husband.

The chemical the Michigan State Police Department uses to detect blood read positive on a portion of the truck's interior. The material is now at a lab, being tested.

Police also found a Wal-Mart receipt for a shovel, tarp, cap and gloves, they confirm. The receipt was from April 25 -- the day before Venus disappeared -- from a Wal-Mart in Ohio.

Douglas Stewart's truck was parked on the street a few blocks from his complex, the Newport News police reported -- despite Stewart having two reserved parking spots in the structure at his apartment complex.

---------
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/CNN-Evidence-found-vs-Venus-husband

Poor gal is dead..

HE is fried..

According to the search warrants, blood stains found in both vehicles.

http://www.wwmt.com/

http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-nn-missing-woman,0,3832141.story
(Video)
Newport News police say new evidence could help find missing woman
Newport News police have found blood stains and rope in a car belonging to the husband of a missing woman.

Police say the new evidence could help find the missing Michigan woman.

Michigan police say Venus Stewart, a 32-year-old mother, vanished from her parents' rural Michigan home on April 26.

Her mother can't help but fear the worst.
"If I think about it too much I go insane. She was the light of my life," said Therese McComb, Venus's mother.

Newport News police obtained search warrants for the couple's 1998 Mercury Sable and 2005 Dodge pick-up truck.

Police say they found blood stains in both vehicles. They found rope in the truck, along with twine and a Wal-Mart receipt for a shovel, tarp, cap, and gloves.

Venus's mother says she heard about what police found.

"I heard that they found blood stains, but they were Douglas's and not Venus's."

Newport News police also searched the apartment the couple shared in Newport News. They confiscated several items including two voice recorders and two laptops.

Police also made Douglas Stewart give them fingerprints and DNA samples.

Venus had lived in Newport News with her now estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, and their two little girls.

Court documents show the couple separated in February.

Venus was staying with her parents and her two little girls, all who are just hoping Venus will come home to them soon.

"I want her back so bad. I want her alive," McComb said.

Douglas Stewart has not been arrested.

Court documents show he is currently living in the couple's Newport News apartment.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1376309-bottom-08in.html
WalMart receipt raises suspicion in case of missing mother
May 10, 2010
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – New details continue to emerge on the search for a St. Joseph County mother.

 

32-year-old Venus Stewart has been missing since the end of April, when she disappeared from her parent's front yard in Colon Township. Investigators say there were clear signs of a struggle there.

 

Investigators have now searched the property of Stewart's estranged husband.

 

Detectives from Michigan recently headed to Virginia, where Douglas Stewart lives, they went through his apartment, and two of his vehicles.

 

Venus Stewart's mother says she can't let herself draw conclusions from what police found when they searched Douglas Stewart's apartment and vehicles.

 

“I gotta keep thinking she's with us,” said Therese McComb.

 

Newschannel 3 obtained the search warrants that detail what police were looking for when they searched, and what they took as potential evidence.

 

The warrant, signed by a Virginia magistrate, sought out the clothes that Venus was wearing when she disappeared and any DNA evidence. Investigators found an apparent blood stain in Douglas Stewart's pick-up truck, that stain was on the front driver's side door. They also found a receipt from an Ohio WalMart showing a purchase that included gloves, a cap, tarp, and shovel.

 

Detectives also removed ten items from the Virginia apartment that Douglas used to share with Venus, those items included two computers and a roll of duct tape.

 

Newschannel 3 is also learning that a neighbor reported seeing a man crouched behind a gray pick-up truck that was parked in an empty lot across from Venus' parents home in Colon around the time that she went missing.

 

Tire impressions taken from that scene were compared to those on Douglas Stewart's truck and the general tread pattern is a match.

Goodmorning Monkeys,


She was poison, he was poison, together they were deadly.  ::MonkeyShocked::


http://hamptonroads.com/2010/05/mich-police-search-vehicles-newport-news-man?cid=ltst

snip

Michigan court records show that the couple had filed petitions for protective orders against each other, the newspaper reported. Venus Stewart expressed concern that her husband would kill her in three petitions she filed between July 2008 and February.

Douglas Stewart filed a petition of his own against his wife in August 2008, claiming his wife had previously attacked him and was on probation for domestic violence, the paper reported. He also reported that his wife had threatened his life.

snip

(She still moved with her husband and two kids from Michigan to Virginia after all the allegations of abuse, etc).

Her body could be anywhere between point A and point B  ::MonkeyNoNo:: I hope they can find her  ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Colon%20Township%2C%20MI%20to%20Newport%20News%2C%20Va.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

I read where his GPS was taken in the search warrants.

Would the GPS have indicated where he stopped along the way?

His computer was taken (so I read) the computer should have researches he may have done for projected burial sites.

I wonder what pushed him over the edge?  I wonder if she kept him from talking to the children? or make it difficult by making

noises or interrupting, she was a real pistol.   

Venus Stewart: Husband and person of interest in missing woman case may be headed to Michigan

snip...

WAVY reports that Stewart, who had once been a Marine, has hired a criminal attorney in Michigan. snip

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2010m5d11-Venus-Stewart-Husband-and-person-of-interest-in-missing-woman-case-may-be-headed-to-Michigan


 ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyShocked::

Police searching area in St. Joseph County for evidence in Venus Stewart abduction

By Rex Hall Jr. | Kalamazoo Gazette

May 12, 2010, 10:18AM


COLON TOWNSHIP — Police this morning were searching an area in St. Joseph County for evidence in the abduction of Venus Rose Stewart, authorities said.


“We’ve got people on the ground right now,” Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Risko said. Risko declined to say where police were conducting their search.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/police_searching_area_in_st_jo.html

ME: "Like the moth to the flame" (IMO)

Missing Michigan woman's husband has left Newport News

9:18 a.m. EDT, May 12, 2010
Douglas Stewart, whose Newport News property was searched earlier this week in connection with his wife's disappearance in Michigan, has left Virginia.

Lt. Mike Risko of Michigan State Police said Stewart has left his apartment on West Avenue in Newport News and returned to Michigan.

His wife, Venus Rose Stewart, has been missing for two weeks. Douglas Stewart has not been named as a suspect, but investigators searched his home and vehicles earlier this week and found possible evidence – a substance that might be blood in his truck, and a receipt from a store in Ohio indicating that he purchased a tarp, a shovel and work gloves the day before his wife disappeared.

Venus Stewart, 32, went missing from her parents' home in Colon Township, Mich., on April 26 and is believed to have been abducted.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/newport-news/dp-missing-michigan-woman.m12-20100512,0,1986710.story

A decomposed body has been found in Hudson Township, apx. 85 miles East of Colon Twp.
http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=12471721

General area map US127/Hudson MI
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=US%20127%20Hudson%2C%20MI

Hop/Skip and Jump South to I-80 to head back to VA

::MonkeyNoNo::

yes it is......wonder where this "ex" is now? I would have the kids hidden so well it would take a navy seal to track them down, he has nothing to lose and that's the most dangerous person that exist.

Local man organizing search for missing mother

May 12, 2010 5:55 PM
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A West Michigan man is calling for volunteers to help in the search for Venus Stewart.

Venus went missing on April 26th from her parents' front yard in Colon Township. There were signs of a struggle found after she went missing.

According to police, Venus' estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, is currently the only person of interest in the case.

Right after Venus went missing, volunteers began hanging up fliers all around the area, and State Police have been out searching in woods and water for any sign of her. Police were out for five hours on Wednesday but have still not found any sign of the missing mother.

Now, a local man is calling on the public to start helping with a ground search on Friday.

“You gotta do something,” said Denny Olson. “What if this was your daughter or granddaughter?”

In missing person cases, Olson is one of the first to step up. He's been helping with searches throughout West Michigan for years. His desire to help started when he and some of his friends went out on their motorcycles to help sheriff's deputies in Kalamazoo County look for a missing man.

“Went to the trails to find him,” said Olson. “I was the guy that happened to find him.”

Olson doesn't know Venus Stewart's family, but that doesn't matter. He believes the community has a whole needs to help bring some resolution to the case.

Now, he's calling on volunteers to show up at the park on Colon Road in Colon on Friday at 9:00 am, from there they'll spread out to cover a lot of terrain.

“Going to search north from father's home towards Leonidas, towards Fulton and also out east towards I-69 and cover as much territory as we can,” said Olson.

Teams of police and sheriff's deputies have already been out looking for Venus. State Police say if members of the public do plan to search, they ask that they be sure to get permission from property owners, and if they do find anything, to not disturb potential evidence.

Olson says he isn't trying to interfere with what police are doing, he just knows there's lots of ground to cover.

“MSP, county sheriff don't have enough officers to do it,” said Olson. “It's time for John Doe to step up to the plate.”

Volunteers are asked to wear clothing and shoes suitable for walking through woods and heavy brush.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1376428-bottom-mother.html

Well, these say it is a 'skeleton' buried deep in the ground...huge difference between 'a body'  'a decomposed body' and 'a skeleton' :roll: I loathe the media...although, what would we do without them? Especially me...since I am the queen of copy and paste  :cool:

http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=12473453
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7439238

Organizer of search Friday for Venus Stewart seeks volunteers
By Rex Hall Jr. | Kalamazoo Gazette
May 13, 2010, 12:04AM

COLON TOWNSHIP — A Vicksburg man is organizing volunteers to search Friday for Venus Rose Stewart, the 32-year-old Colon Township woman who has been missing for more than two weeks.

Denny Olson, a former leader in Michigan for the citizen-safety organization Guardian Angels, said the search will begin at 9 a.m. at a park on West Colon Road near Sturgeon Lake.

Volunteers will search from Colon north to Leonidas and Fulton and as far east as Interstate 69, he said.

“Anyone’s invited to take part,” Olson said. “You’ve got to dress accordingly.”

Olson said he has done similar searches for missing persons as a member of the Guardian Angels. He also took part in searches for Julia Dawson, a Sparta woman was found dead in 2005 along a rural road in Montcalm County, and Mary Lands, a Marshall woman who disappeared in 2004 and has yet to be found.

“I’ve just been following it since day one,” Olson said of his interest in Stewart’s disappearance and decision to organize a search.

Olson said he does not know how many people will show up to take part in the search.

Stewart has been missing since April 26 and Michigan State Police believe the mother of two was abducted between 7:10 and 8:30 a.m. outside her parents’ house in the 55000 block of Driftwood Drive in Colon Township.

Stewart’s mother has said her daughter was going to the mailbox to mail a letter when she was taken. She was last seen wearing pajamas.

Police have said Stewart’s estranged husband, Douglas Harrie Stewart, 29, of Newport News, Va., is the sole person of interest in his wife’s disappearance. They said they had received information Tuesday that he was back in Michigan.

Police are awaiting analysis of suspected blood found in Douglas Stewart’s Dodge Ram pickup truck during a search of it last week. Police also found in the truck a receipt for items that included a tarp, gloves, shovel and a hat purchased April 25 from a Walmart in Ohio.

State police Wednesday searched an area of St. Joseph County, but the five-hour effort didn’t turn up anything, Risko said. He declined to say exactly where police conducted their search.

Anyone who may have information about Venus Stewart’s whereabouts is asked to call the Michigan State Police post in White Pigeon at 269-483-7611 or its Regional Dispatch Center in Rockford at 616-866-6666.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/organizer_of_search_friday_for.html

Thank-You Nut,

I wonder what was in that letter she put in the mailbox?  It must have been pretty important, Venus left her two young

children (unsupervisored) so she could walk 80 feet to the mailbox, of coarse, if she lived, it would be 80 feet back.

Who leaves children unattended to mail a letter?  Whatever it was, I bet it was just one more nail in her coffin.

This makes me mad she didn't put those children a head of herself, after filing allegations she left with him for VA.

 ::MonkeyMad::

Seahorse-
I am not sure why you are being so harsh with Venus in this case.  You see, I have a rural mailbox that's approx 80 feet from my front door and I've walked out in the morning in my robe and slippers and put an outgoing letter in the box in the morning.  It doesn't even have to be an important letter, but I like to get the mail out before the postman shows up. Venus has a 3 year old and a five year old.  Venus was staying with her parents in their home, and her two children were in a front room of the house while their grandfather was asleep.  The grandfather was obviously in hearing distance of the two children, because they became noisy and woke him up.  I wouldn't consider walking out to a mail box with your father asleep in the house while a 3 year old and a 5 year old were in hearing distance of the grandparent "leaving the children unattended" or as you noted "unsupervised".  Venus may have felt safe being at her parents home, felt safe enough to go out and mail a letter in the front yard before the postman came.  As to what the letter she wanted to mail was, I don't know.  And I don't know if it had anything to do with anything in this case.  It didn't necessarily have to be important for her to walk it out to the mailbox in the morning in her jammies.  It could just be a casual movement on her part.  I don't think she was endangering her children.  If she had gotten dressed, jumped in the car and went down the road to town or something then yes, that would be leaving the children unattended.  I'm sure at some time in my life I may have gone out in the yard dressed in my robe and slippers in the morning to move a sprinkler or take out the trash while my children were inside and my husband was home in another room watching tv or asleep. Does this mean I left my children "unattended" or "unsupervised"?  I don't think it does and I don't think it's right Venus is being accused of leaving her children "unattended" or "unsupervised" because she was abducted while walking 80 feet from a house with her father in it to drop a letter off while dressed in her pj's.  JMHO

 ::bee:: MuffyBee,

Thanks for your opinion.

I would never ever, ever, leave a three year and a five year old unattended, I understand what you are saying.
It is just me, not for one minute would I leave two little children alone, just me.

I miss your Bee.

Seahorse



*fixed quote out of box

Venus is the victim of this crime.  While I respect everyone's right to have an opinion, I disagree completely with the "blame the victim" mode of thinking. 

Would going to the restroom also constitute leaving the children unattended?  It didn't look like a very big front yard or a great distance to the mailbox.  I imagine it may take longer to use the facilities then to stick a letter in the mailbox and run back inside.

It's not Venus' fault she was abducted and likely killed - it is the perpetrator of those crimes who is at fault.  Period.


 ::MonkeyNoNo::


JMO and only MO

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/tire_marks_where_venus_stewart.html


Another search warrant shows that police also found suspected blood during a search of a 1998 Mercury Sable that belongs to Douglas Stewart and that former neighbors of the Stewarts in Schoolcraft reported seeing what was believed to be the Stewarts’ Sable “cruising the neighborhood” April 25.

mine 2 ...especially the bathroom part  ::rhino::

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1376492-bottom-mother.html


Husband of missing mother speaks


May 13, 2010 9:55 PM


ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – The search continues for a missing St. Joseph County mother, and on Thursday, her estranged husband called Newschannel 3.

 

Venus Stewart disappeared from her parents' home in Colon Township in April. Police suspect that she was kidnapped, but currently do not have any suspects.

 

After searching the truck of her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, in Virginia, what police do have is a possible blood stain, along with a receipt from an Ohio WalMart for a tarp, hat, shovel, and gloves, purchased the day before Venus went missing.

 

Douglas is not currently in custody, nor is he facing any charges.

 

On Thursday night, Douglas Stewart called Newschannel 3. He said he wouldn't go on camera without his attorney's blessing, but he did give us a statement.

 

He said, “I am back in Michigan, I am home. There's nothing back in Virginia that's more important than what's going on here and my children.”

 

Stewart also said that if the police want him to turn himself in, all the need to do is ask. He doesn't however think that will happen, and says he has faith in the justice system.
 

Meanwhile, the search continues for Venus. On Friday morning a West Michigan man is rounding up volunteers to help search. They're meeting at Colon Park at 9:00 am. Newschannel 3 will also be there, and bring you the latest as it happens

http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/93809809.html

Search continues for missing Michigan mother
Story Updated: May 14, 2010 at 6:04 PM EDT

COLON, Mich. — The search for a missing Michigan woman intensified Friday. Dozens of volunteers spent hours hoping to find her.

The Colon Community Park is more like a command center. Denny Olson told a group of volunteer searchers the task at hand would not be easy.

"We stand a damn good chance of finding her. The trouble is 99 percent of where we are going to search we are not going to find her," Olsen said.

But none of that mattered to the people there. Their only goal was to find Venus Stewart, a missing mother of two little girls.

"It's very scary to the family not knowing what happened to their daughter," said Sue Billings, a volunteer.

Volunteers were assigned miles of ground to cover. They put on their game faces, knowing they could face discovering the 33-year-old's body.

For Connie Schwartz, one thing was more important — She wanted to help Stewart's family find answers.

"Try and put a closure to it," Schwartz said.

With food and water for much-needed energy during the hours-long mission, Billings and her 14-person crew were ready to work. Volunteers combed through tall grass and rocky dirt roads, just yards away from a sign that reported the woman's disappearance.

After a few hours, Sue's crew called police. They had found some suspicious items.

"There's a pair of tennis shoes and a Croc-like slipper that's back here," said Billings as she waited for county police to appear.

Missing in action were Venus' parents, Larry and Therese McComb.

"Half of me wants to be out there also, but I'm scared at what I might find," Therese said.

Venus vanished on April 26 as she walked to her parent’s mailbox. Her family suspects her husband, Doug, is responsible.

"There's no doubt in my mind," Larry said.

Police confirm Doug Stewart is a person of interest, but he has not been charged.

More than anything, the McCombs appreciate the outpouring of support from volunteers and the community.

"It's the only thing that has kept me going," Therese said. "I don't know how I'm going to write so many thank you cards."

Back at the park, Olson said the odds are against them, but they will not give up until Venus is found.

"It's that 1/100th of a chance that we may find her — that's what we need to run on," Olson said. "That's what's called ‘hope.’ That's what's called ‘faith.’”

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/tire_marks_where_venus_stewart.html
Tire marks where Venus Stewart disappeared appear to match tires on estranged husband's truck, police say
May 13, 2010

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Tire marks found at the scene of Venus Rose Stewart’s disappearance appear to match the tire treads from her estranged husband’s pickup truck, documents show.

A Michigan State Police crime lab technician who compared photos of tire impressions found near Stewart’s parents’ home in Colon Township and photos of the tires on Douglas Harrie Stewart’s silver 2005 four-door Dodge pickup truck said the photos “showed general tread pattern agreement,” according to a search warrant affidavit obtained Thursday by the Kalamazoo Gazette from Newport News, Va., Circuit Court.
The search warrant affidavits also show troopers found signs of a struggle and clear plastic packaging for a tarp after they responded April 26 to the 55000 block of Driftwood Drive on a report that Venus Stewart, 32, was missing. Investigators have said they believe the mother of two, who was last seen wearing pajamas, was abducted between 7:10 and 8:30 a.m.

A neighbor told police that at about 7 a.m. April 26, she spotted a “light gray colored” pickup truck with four doors parked in a field near her residence and that a white male was “crouched behind” the vehicle. Five minutes later, the truck was gone, the search warrant affidavit says.

Police have identified Douglas Stewart, 29, of Newport News, as the sole person of interest in his wife’s apparent abduction and they disclosed earlier this week that a search of his Dodge pickup truck turned up suspected blood and a receipt for a tarp, gloves, shovel and a hat purchased April 25 from a Walmart in Ohio.

A search warrant executed May 5 shows that the suspected blood was found on the inside of the truck’s driver-side door above the handle.

Another search warrant shows that police also found suspected blood during a search of a 1998 Mercury Sable that belongs to Douglas Stewart and that former neighbors of the Stewarts in Schoolcraft reported seeing what was believed to be the Stewarts’ Sable “cruising the neighborhood” April 25.

State Police Lt. Mike Risko said Thursday that police were still awaiting results of crime-lab analysis on the suspected blood found in both vehicles. The search warrants show that investigators also took fingerprints, palm prints and DNA swabs from Douglas Stewart on May 5.

As their investigation continues, Risko said, police are trying to transport Douglas Stewart’s pickup truck back to Michigan for further analysis and to get a closer look at the tires. The crime lab technician who compared the photos of the tire impressions found near the scene of Venus Stewart’s disappearance and photos of Douglas Stewart’s truck tires “indicated she would need the actual tires from the Stewart pickup for more thorough, further analysis,” according to the search warrant affidavit.

Risko said the pickup truck and Mercury Sable were still in the possession of Newport News police, as of Thursday.

Meanwhile, a group of volunteers led by Denny Olson, of Vicksburg, was to search for Venus Stewart this morning in Colon and north to Leonidas and Fulton. They also planned to search areas to the east of Colon to Interstate 69.

Olson said Thursday he did not know how many volunteers might take part in today’s search but that members of Venus Stewart’s family, including her mother and father, Therese and Larry McComb, were expected to participate.

Police ask anyone who may have information about Venus Stewart to call the Michigan State Police post in White Pigeon at 269-483-7611 or its Regional Dispatch Center in Rockford at 616-866-6666.

http://www.youtube.com/v/wXPUC2R4DsI&hl=en_US&fs=1

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/features/x968919650/Community-members-come-together-to-look-for-clues-in-case-of-missing-woman
Community members come together to look for clues in case of missing woman
May 15, 2010

Colon, Mich. —

More than 135 volunteers searched wooded areas Friday in Colon Township hoping to find clues about the disappearance of Venus Rose Stewart.
Stewart, 32, is a mother of two daughters who was reported missing April 26. She was last seen taking a letter to the mailbox outside her parents’ home on Driftwood Drive.
That property overlooks the St. Joseph River.
On Friday, Denny Olson, a former leader  in Michigan for the Guardian Angels, used the new Colon community park pavilion to register each volunteer and organize search teams.
He told volunteers that they must sign in and sign out, and work in teams.
“We don’t want to have to start looking for you at the end of the day because you didn’t sign out,” he said.
This was Olson’s 36th missing-person search.
“I’m good at what I do and we’ve had a 90-percent recovery rate from our searches,” he said. “We are obviously looking for the worst in this situation. You’ve got to think like a crook. Think how you’re going to make your escape with a body.”
Full community
People of all ages took part in the search.
Eighty-year-old Warren Maxwell of Sturgis was ready for action as he listened to Olson talk.
Jim Saxman, a retired farmer from Leonidas, said he had already done some searching near his property.
A mother-daughter team from Leonidas, Shelly and Melea Tovlovpas, waited as other neighbors were interviewed by a TV news crew.
Some young people, including Cody Rzepka, Lucas Calloway and Shandra Clawson, joined the search from Bronson. They walked along Covey Road.
Stewart was Venus Rose McComb when she graduated from Bronson High School in 1996. Her name is still familiar to Bronson residents.
David Dentler, 63, a retired oil worker living in Sturgis, returned to his vehicle parked near the St. Joseph River. After a two-mile walk along a dirt road, he said he started feeling worn out and needed a break.
“If my daughter was missing, I would sure appreciate all these people out looking,” he said.
Susan Wheeler and Mark Parks, neighbors of Venus Stewart’s parents, used bug spray to protect themselves as they searched through thick brush.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/searchers_comb_rural_area_of_k.html
(with video)
Searchers comb rural area of Kalamazoo County for clues to disappearance of Venus Stewart, of Colon
May 15, 2010

COLON — There were so many places to look for clues to what happened to Venus Stewart, from the tall prairie grass to the thick woods to the acres of open fields.

About 130 local residents scoured several miles Friday, looking for a trace of the 32-year-old woman who vanished April 26.

They didn’t find anything but deer bones.

Stewart, a mother of two daughters, disappeared in her pajamas while mailing a letter outside her parents’ home in Colon Township.

Michigan State Police have identified her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, as the sole person of interest in the apparent abduction. Earlier, authorities said a search of his pickup truck turned up suspected blood and a Wal-Mart receipt for a tarp, gloves, shovel and a hat that were purchased April 25.

The volunteer search party gathered Friday morning in Colon, a city with a sleepy downtown of brick buildings on the eastern edge of St. Joseph County.
Some people wore camouflage hats and carried wooden walking sticks while others wore knee-high boots to wade through water. Several brought their dogs.

For Regina Howard, a mother of three, it was obvious why she needed to come out and join the search effort.

“If it was my child missing, I’d hope everybody would be here too,” said Howard, of Bronson.
Amy Kline said she felt that Stewart, a woman similar in age to herself, had left a noticeable absence in the community of fewer than 1,500 people.

“It’s devastating,” said Kline, 31, whose boss let her use an impromptu vacation day to participate in the search. “I felt hopeless until now. This is something I can do to help.”

Denny Olson, a former leader of the citizen-safety group Guardian Angels, organized the effort. Olson, who is originally from Vicksburg, said he has experience searching for missing persons.
The volunteers, who ranged in age from 20-somethings to middle-aged residents, spread out in groups to cover approximately a 30-mile area.

On county roads, several people walked past farm houses and indifferent cows, scanning ditches and the river banks for Stewart’s body.

Olson led a small group through a forest preserve. An overweight chocolate-colored dog named Brownie followed behind.

“This is just a big territory, guys,” Olson told the volunteers early in the search. “I could spend 20 years and never find her.”

Olson said he might lead a smaller search party next week, depending on the weather.

I agree Muffy and if that constitutes leaving children unattended DCF would be at my door ASAP. Also, with her father in the house I'm sure she thought a quick walk to the mailbox wouldn't endanger her kids. I too have gone outside to grill with the kids in the house and my parents watching them and taken a shower which takes much longer than walking 80 feet. PS~I go in my PJ's too

I also have left kids in the house "alone" while I went to the mailbox or the grill. When you live in a rural area it is not uncommon to walk out to the mailbox - many times longer than 80 ft. Also remember that these are 3 and 5 year old kids. They are not babies. They were eating breakfast and her parents were in the next room. I do not see any problem with walking out to put a letter in the box.

Thank-you Klaas,

Venus had some bad PMS.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

Edit:  What a rude thing to say about a missing woman who has likely been murdered by her ex.

Wow. 

I listened to that clip.

I didn't hear them mention PMS.

I did hear that Venus had one domestic violence charge for bloodying Douglas Stewart's nose, and one Disturbing the Peace for arguing in the yard.

I also heard that Venus had taken out three (3) Orders of Protection against Douglas during those years.

The fact is that Venus removed herself and her children from that violent, dysfunctional, and unhealthy situation, separated herself from Douglas, and returned to live with her parents in Michigan.

I don't imagine her alleged PMS can be blamed for the fact Douglas stopped in Ohio the day before her disappearance and purchased a shovel, gloves, and a tarp.

PMS, indeed.   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

Venus does need to worry about PMS anymore.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

Edit:  What a rude thing to say about a missing woman who has likely been murdered by her ex.

Seahorse, why are you bashing Venus Stewart in this thread?  From what I've been able to read from reports and articles, she and her husband Douglas had a rocky relationship resulting in domestic violence reports and etc. It looks like both have had run ins with the police over the domestic violect.   In one of your posts, you are of the opinion Venus left her two children "(unsupervisored)" and "unattended".  Do you have a link to any charges or suspicions from any reliable sources of that?  The police are involved in Venus's missing case and I haven't seen anything about child endangerment.  I'm disturbed by your use of the phrase "another nail in her coffin" when referring to when Venus walked out her parents front door to mail a letter.  And I don't know where the subject of "PMS" came from.  You posted "Venus had some bad PMS".  In reference to?  That smacks of a nasty little jibe at a female/woman.  A cheap shot.  Why?  Do you have a link to some information that Venus had medical problems prior having gone missing?  Venus Stewart is missing.  It appears there is evidence of a struggle.  Venus may not have been a perfect person/mom/wife whatever, I don't really know.  What I do know is at this time it looks like you are throwing things out that besmirch her character that so far I can't find a basis to, and you've provided no proof of.  Why?  Why do are you bashing Venus?  Is this something personal?  Do you know something we don't know?  Would you like to share that?  I'm just really curious why you are attacking Venus. 

I don't want to see this thread derailed over details of whether leaving a 3 year old and a 5 year old child in a house with their grandparent while the mother goes out 80 feet to mail a letter.  However, I would like to see some substantiation in the way of articles with links to the charges you are making about Venus.  Some of what you say are opinions, and we are all entitled to our opinions.  But in the last page of so of this thread, I see you giving more than your opinion.  You are attacking a missing person, a victim.  Do you REALLY believe what you've posted about Venus?  It looks to me like you are looking for attention.  When you post stuff like that in an MP thread, you are trying to get a rise out of posters.  And you know what?  That's very  TROLL like.  JMHO   Instead of any more rebuttals to your ridiculous and uncalled for accusations besmirching Venus's character, I think the best thing would be for me and other posters to put you on ignore, and not give you the attention you obviously crave.  Notice this post is in black, which means I am posting in this forum as a fellow poster/monkey and I'm giving my opinion.

pms indeed ::MonkeyNoNo:: That is just plain wrong.

I have to agree Lifesong, we are all capable of being angered and provoked and I do not condone violence in any way or shape... but I too have my limits. I think the husband knew what buttons to push and manipulated as well as fueled the situation. Venus eventually fled the the dysfunction and no matter what she was guilty of marital wise in regards to arguments and domestic situations she is now missing , most likely dead, and two young children are wondering where their mother is. Venus is the victim at this point and I say her husband is guilty... this is just my opinion but evidence is pointing his way.

sorry muffy looks like we posted around the same time. I too would like to hear Seahorse's reasoning behind the bashing of Venus. I usually prefer to be neutral and read and respect but something about this is rubbing me wrong. Have a nice night all.

Monkeys did you read this?


WAVY.com has learned, Douglas Stewart was a decorated Marine, based at Camp Lejeune from 1999 to 2003.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/apparent-blood-in-couples-truck

Newfie,

I am questioning why Venus left with her husband to Virginia?  This is after she filed charges against him about there daughter.

I would not have left with a man if I felt he had anything to do with my daughter, would you?  The charges were found

unconclusive, but, I still would never have left with a guy and the kids if I felt he even looked at them sideways.

Not sure what that has to do with anything.  Are you trying to say that because he was a decorated Marine he can't be guilty of harming Venus?  If that's what you are implying I disagree 100%.

To answer your question about why she would go with him if he was abusing her or the children, the answer is FEAR.

Klaas,

Bingo! 

Yes, (that is what I am saying) he doesn't care if he is caught.  He is confident a jury would not convict him and would have
be sympathy for him for being a battered husband and a decorated Marine.

Woman get off all the time on murder charges (being battered wife), he may just have set-up Venus to punch him
in the nose "five times".  He would have it on court records (he may just have had this premediated from a few years ago).

He wasn't stupid (as most thought) about leaving evidence, he did not care because he knows a jury won't convict him
without a body, and with his outstanding military service record and Venus Court records of abuse.

What guy allows him wife to punch him in the nose "five times"? 

Seahorse - I've seen way too many ex military commit horrendous crimes to give this guy some sort of pass because he was in the military.  I don't think jurors today are that uninformed.

Yes, he may very well have begged her to hit him (go head, hit me, see what good it will do you).

IMO, this guy is going down.  LE is on his trail.  He's going to go down just like Drew Peterson is going down. 

Yeah.....what Klaas said. Oh, and the No Body No Crime/Case only works in Aruba  ::rhino::

Klaas,

I hope you are right.  Yes, he likely egged her on (both times) when she was arrested. He may have tried to get her

locked away, he was pleading to the court for help for her, he was afraid for his life,  ::MonkeyHaHa::


Her father said it was luck, I think the husband knew her routine, Venus may had a cigerette (outside) before the kids woke up,

she may have mailed a letter and may not have, too. She just needed to cover yourself for being outside for a cigerette break,

in case her mom called or her Dad woke up.


 It is such a shame she was persuaded into moving to VA., she left her job, family and house to nothing but insecurity. He

probably pushed her over the edge and then some. 

"The people who live in the area who have seen him said he was disheveled and was wet and without a shirt and asking for a cigarette," said First Lt. Mike Risco, commander of the Michigan State Police at White Pigeon. "At this time he is not a suspect; however detectives would like to speak to him."

The man is part of the investigation into the April 26 disappearance of Venus Stewart, 32.


========================================================

She had to be transported .. Supposedly she knows how to fight ?? Or was that just her hubby playing games as he likes to fight and hit and break bones ? 

Hi Edward,


Do you know if Douglas H. Stewart was a Gulf War veteran, please? 

I don't need to know for any reason, only curiously.  ::MonkeyEek::

Thank-you

Seahorse

Hi SeaHorse

I have not done any research on this case.. I looked around a little but did not come up with anything of value.. If I find anything I will post it.

I'm not sure how to respond to your imaginative post about Venus.  You may not mean to but your posts, almost all of them, are very demeaning to Venus.  Is there some reason for that?

I believe everything the husband did was calculated.  When V.S. punched him in the nose "five times" to when the second
time she was arrested, I feel he orchestrated both times, to have it on public court records.


When I found out he was in the service, everything started making sense to me, he had to have self-discipline to succeed in
the four years in the service.  I was in the military for three years, I understand how cunning some military members are
and that is good, sometimes. In the service everything is "CYA" "which means cover your butt"  ::MonkeyHaHa::


So my little opinion is he was covering his butt by orchestrating little by little her court records, so she would look like
she lacked competence, I didn't mean she was!  I just believe he was inch by inch setting her up to CYA.  She mostly
likely was a happy go lucky person until she married. JMO


Yes, I feel he may have tried to "get rid of her in another way" and that didn't work and then he resorted to plan B. 
When he stated that "he was afraid of her" he may have been implying other things, all calculated.


Oh, the mollestation charges puzzled me, (if the reports have been correct) I was curious why she moved with him to VA
after she filled charges even though the results were proven inconclusive.  That is what is most puzzling to me.

http://www.examiner.com/x-46795-Missing-Persons-Examiner~y2010m5d17-New-evidence-surfaces-for-missing-mom-in-pajamas
New evidence surfaces for missing mom in pajamas
May 17, 2010

Venus Rose Stewart, 32 who walked to the mailbox in her pajamas and disappeared on April 26, is still missing,and new information has surfaced.

Police have gone back to Venus' ex-husbands, Douglas Stewart's home, with warrants to search his property.

According to CBS affiliate WWMT, court documents say that detectives found a blood stain on Douglas Stewart's truck on the driver's side door and a receipt from an Ohio Wal-Mart for purchases for gloves, a shovel and a tarp the day before Venus disappeared. The authorities also removed items from Douglas' home that he used to live in with Venus in Virginia.

A local CBS station reported that the documents say that the tire impressions taken at the scene where Venus disappeared, matches the pattern of the tire's on Douglas Stewart's truck.

There is also a report that a neighbor saw a man crouched behind a gray pick-up truck that was parked on an empty lot across the street from Venus' parents home where she was staying when she vanished.

Police have also released a sketch of a suspect who may be connected to the disappearance. Two witnesses spotted a man on nearby Adam's Lake and they said he was wet and approached the witnesses for a cigarette.

Venus Stewart is described as 5'4", 130 lbs., with brown eyes and dark hair. She was last seen wearing pajamas.

Police ask that anyone with information to call the White Pigeon Post at 269-483-7611 or the State Police Regional Dispatch Center in Rockford at 616-866-6666.

http://www.wlkm.com/?p=13332
Search continues for Venus Stewart
May 17, 2010

A search party that exceeded more than 100 volunteers came up empty Friday in search of clues related to the disappearance of 32-year-old Venus Stewart.

The Colon Township woman was reported missing April 26 and is believed to have been kidnapped.

Organized by Vicksburg resident Denny Olson, the foot search covered vast portions of Colon and Leonidas townships. Searchers ventured into heavily wooded areas, swamp banks and isolated pockets of land.

Stewart, a Bronson High School alumna, has two children and police have said her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, is the only person of interest for now.

In another matter related to Venus Stewart, Holy Angels Church in Sturgis is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, with proceeds to benefit the care of her two children, ages 3 and 5 years.

Tickets for the breakfast are $5.50 per person, and food will be served from 7 to 11 a.m. There will also be a 50/50 drawing.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20100518/News01/5180362/-1/googleNews
Briefs – Michigan
INVESTIGATION

Search continues for missing woman
May 18, 2010
COLON — The Michigan State Police continue to search for 32-year-old Venus Rose Stewart three weeks after her disappearance from Colon Township in St. Joseph County (Mich.).
It is believed that Stewart was abducted from her parents' home the morning of April 26. She was last seen wearing pajamas.

Virginia law enforcement located two vehicles owned by Stewart and her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart. Douglas Stewart was found in Virginia.

MSP searched the vehicles, and found a receipt from a Walmart in Ohio for items including a tarp, gloves, a shovel and a hat in a 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck, MSP Lt. Mike Risko said. The items were purchased the day before Venus Stewart's disappearance.

Crime scene technicians also found what could be blood inside the truck, police said.

"Douglas Stewart is our person of interest, and the only person of interest," Risko said, adding that Douglas Stewart has returned to Michigan.

Venus Stewart is white, 5 feet 4, weighs about 130 pounds with brown eyes and dark hair.

If anyone has seen Venus, please contact the MSP White Pigeon Post at (269) 483-7611 or after hours at the Rockford Regional Dispatch Center at (616) 866-6666.
(snip)

Seahorse...Good Monkey morning to you and all!  IMO Venus was probably CYA herself.  Even with molestation charges made by her (found inconclusive)I agree with Muffy, she was planning a way out.  Her thinking may have been, I'll move with him there, let him think things are okay and while he's at work I'll pack up and move without threats, violence, a big scene, or whatever she may have been afraid of.  If I was afraid of my husband this is the way I would do it.  That puts him a little further away from her parents home where she planned to go to for safety.  If you have a trully evil person somethimes they find you no matter what you do.  Poor children, having to lose both parents this way.  I hope they have a good happy life here on out with their granparents.  Finding their Mother would be better sooner than later so that they may begin to pick up the pieces and move on.  I'm so glad the community is supporting the family.  God Bless.

Melisb- I don't recall posting anything personally relating specifically to Venus planning a way out.  But I do think she was trying to get out.  She had moved with her children into her parents home. 

Melisb,

Thank-you for your comment because it keeps my mind open.  My mind was not opened in the beginning, I see things more clearly.

Your are diplomatic and tactful, I need to remember that next time when I respond to a comment.  Yes, Venus may have "played

the game" (so to speak) until she was able to leave, he may have been good at intimidation and bullying her.  God Bless her soul.

Chew on this Doug  62 pages  ::MonkeyHaHa::

“No body” murder trials in the United States
http://nobodycases.com/no_body2.pdf

Thanks Seahorse!  I guess we won't ever really know what happened but what I do believe is that ol hubby's hands are very dirty.  We know from her parents she said she was very scared of him.

Muffy is that you in blue?  If so that was my opinion and didn't word it correctly but was trying to refer to you saying (I think) that she may have been searching for a way out and I just went further and gave a scenario.  Sorry, I'll try to word things or seperate better next time.  Ya'll have a wonderful day from the steamy south.

Hi Monkeys,

Just found this case on the forum.....Like most of you guys I was dumbfounded by some of the post blaming Venus for what has happened to her. Unless you have lived in an abusive situation, you have no idea what she lived thru. I have been there, done that , and bought the t-shirt. It doesn't matter that she was arrested for DV. After you have been beaten and knocked around a few times you start fighting back. He was bigger and he was stronger than her and it does not give him the right to knock her around. I was told for years that if I left he would kill me and my children. But it got to the point that if I didn't leave he was going to kill me anyway. I sneaked me and my children out at 3 am with just the clothes on our backs . I left everything that I    had worked 10 hrs a day to pay for while he laid up drunk. I stayed in hiding til I could get a restraining order and emergency custody of my kids. And a restraining order is worth about as much as the paper it is written on. Most women that are killed by their husbands have restraining orders.
And just because he is military does not give him a pass in my book. My ex was military AND the Chief of Police in our town. He arrested people for DUI and he was drunker than they were. So think before you type. No one deserves to be murder. PERIOD

Hi Monkey's,


If I understood correctly a hearing is scheculed (next week) for the custody battle, DS wants custody.

 ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyShocked::

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2010m5d21-Venus-Stewart-Estranged-husband-of-missing-woman-wants-custody-of-children-video

 o/t Klaas, when I clicked on the examiner site above, there were some photos of Ethan I had not seen.  Would you do your magic and put them on his thread please.

Darla, thank you for sharing your heartbreaking story.  I am so glad you had the courage to get out.  It's not easy . . . fear is an awful, crippling feeling . . . I know.

Sister, you are welcome, If my story helps just one woman to have the courage to get out, then I am happy. It has been 30 yrs since that fateful night that I was beaten almost beyond recognition and I still carry the emotional scars as well as the physical scars. Back then it did no good to call the cops. He was their boss and they didn't get involved in DV cases.

I hope Venus is found and brought back to her family and he gets his just dues. I would hide his little girls forever before he would get custody. I have a feeling they need to look further down the road to Virginia to look for her body. I doubt he disposed of it that close to where she lived.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/missing_woman_venus_stewarts_e.html

Good Morning,

Holy Moly!!!

May 24, 2010, 10:32PM


CENTREVILLE — The St. Joseph County Department of Human Services has initiated action to take control of custody of the two young daughters of Venus Stewart, the Colon woman who has been missing since April 26.
Courtesy photosVenus Stewart and estranged husband Douglas Stewart

Larry McComb, Stewart’s father, said Monday that he expects the court will appoint he and his wife, Therese, to continue caring for the girls, ages 5 and 3.


But McComb said they won’t return to the couple’s rural Colon Township home until after high fencing, security cameras and guard dogs are in place.


In addition, McComb said the couple also plans to secure permits to carry concealed weapons, all in response to what McComb said are their fears that Stewart’s estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, could attempt to take the girls

snip...

WOW!!

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/missing_woman_venus_stewarts_e.html
Missing woman Venus Stewart's estranged husband seeks custody of daughters
May 24, 2010

CENTREVILLE — The St. Joseph County Department of Human Services has initiated action to take control of custody of the two young daughters of Venus Stewart, the Colon woman who has been missing since April 26.

Larry McComb, Stewart’s father, said Monday that he expects the court will appoint he and his wife, Therese, to continue caring for the girls, ages 5 and 3.

But McComb said they won’t return to the couple’s rural Colon Township home until after high fencing, security cameras and guard dogs are in place.

In addition, McComb said the couple also plans to secure permits to carry concealed weapons, all in response to what McComb said are their fears that Stewart’s estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, could attempt to take the girls.

Douglas Stewart has been named by law enforcement authorities as the “only person of interest” in the disappearance of Venus Stewart.

He has not been arrested or charged or charged with a crime. Douglas Stewart declined to comment when contacted Monday.

Terry Evans, St. Joseph County Juvenile Court director, said a hearing has been scheduled for Friday on a child neglect petition filed by St. Joseph County Child Protective Services.

Venus Stewart had been awarded custody of the children on March 26 after she returned to Michigan from the family’s Virginia home with the girls earlier this year.

On May 14, Douglas Stewart filed a response to that custody order, seeking custody of the girls. He notes that the their mother is missing and he is the other biological parent.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said he will represent DHS Child Protective Services at the hearing on Friday.

A juvenile court referee is scheduled to determine if a child neglect petition should be authorized.

If the petition is approved, it begins the process for DHS, under the court’s jurisdiction, to assume legal responsibility for the children and decide who will have at least temporary custody.

McDonough said Monday that he will recommend Douglas Stewart not be granted custody of the two girls “for pretty obvious reasons.”

“We don’t have any idea where Venus Stewart is and he’s the only person of interest in the case,” McDonough said.

McComb said Monday that he is holding out hope that his daughter is still alive, held somewhere against her will.

Meanwhile, McComb said his two granddaughters have not been told that their mother is missing and they’re being sheltered at different, undisclosed locations “to protect them.”

“Right now the 3-year-old doesn’t know much but she  misses her mom,” McComb said. “And the 5-year-old thinks mom is with dad in Virginia. At one point she saw their pictures together on the TV. They’re both so sad.”

As they agonize over the whereabouts of their daughter, the McCombs have accepted even unconventional offers of help.

“We’ve had calls from psychics and they’ve come to the house saying they can help find her,” Larry McComb said. “I gave one of them one of her shirts and another one took a Walmart card she had.”

But still there’s been no resolution.

“One of them told us they saw her under the ground within sight of a small town water tower,” McComb said. “It’s all I can do to keep my composure.”

http://www.wkzo.com/news/articles/2010/may/26/custody-hearing-venus-stewart-case/

A hearing is scheculed for Friday to begin....

Good Morning to all and a very happy Spring!   ::monkeydust::

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/police_search_leonidas_townshi.html
Police search Leonidas Township home of Douglas Stewart's parents in missing-person investigation of Venus Stewart
May 26, 2010

LEONIDAS TOWNSHIP — Police served a search warrant last week at the St. Joseph County home and farm of Douglas Stewart’s parents, authorities said.

Michigan State Police investigators seized “some items” during the search Friday but did not find Stewart’s wife, 32-year-old Venus Stewart who has been missing since April 26, Lt. Mike Risko said Wednesday.

Risko declined to say what, or how many, items police seized from Douglas Stewart’s parents home, which is located in the 50100 block of Fulton Road in Leonidas Township.

Risko said Wednesday that Stewart, who recently resided in Newport News, Va., is currently staying at his parents’ residence.

Police have said they believe Venus Stewart, who was last seen wearing pajamas, was abducted some time between 7:10 and 8:30 a.m. on April 26 from the front yard of her parents’ home in the 55000 block of Driftwood Drive in Colon Township.

Risko said Wednesday that Douglas Stewart, 29, remains the sole person of interest in his wife’s apparent abduction and police are still awaiting the results of lab analysis that is being conducted on suspected blood that was found in a Dodge pickup truck and a Mercury Sable that belong to Douglas Stewart.

Police disclosed earlier this month that besides the suspected blood, investigators also found in the pickup truck a receipt for a tarp, gloves, shovel and a hat purchased April 25 from a Walmart in Ohio.

In addition to waiting on results from the state police crime lab, Risko said police also are still trying to transport the pickup truck back to Michigan to get a closer look at the vehicle’s tires. The move is part of an attempt to confirm whether the tires on the truck match tire treads that were found at the scene of Venus Stewart’s disappearance.

A MSP crime lab technician who compared photos of tire impressions found near Venus Stewart’s parents’ home and photos of Douglas Stewart’s truck tires said the photos “showed general tread pattern agreement” but “indicated she would need the actual tires from the Stewart pickup for more thorough, further analysis,” according to a search warrant affidavit filed in Newport News Circuit Court.

Police ask anyone who may have information about Venus Stewart to call the MSP post in White Pigeon at 269-483-7611 or its regional dispatch center in Rockford at 616-866-6666.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1377042-bottom-mother.html
(video)
Updated: Police continue search for missing mother
May 26, 2010

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – The case of missing mother Venus Stewart has taken another turn.

 

On Wednesday Newschannel 3 learned that the Michigan State Police have searched the home of Douglas Stewart's parents. That search happened on May 21st.

 

Douglas is Venus' estranged husband and is the only person of interest in the case.

 

Police believe Venus was kidnapped at the end of April from her parents' home near Colon.

 

On Wednesday Newschannel 3 again spoke with Venus' father, who believes his daughter is still alive.

 

Since Venus went missing, her father, Larry McComb, has believed that Doug Stewart is holding her captive.

 

“I suspected either his parents' house or his sister's house,” said McComb.

 

Recently Michigan State Police found that Doug had moved back in with his parents in Leonidas Township.

 

“We thought that it was necessary to check that out,” said Lt. Mike Risko, Michigan State Police.

 

Lt. Risko says Doug's presence in his parents home is what led to a search of that property.

 

“We had a couple of cadaver dogs that checked the area and it took a couple hours,” said Lt. Risko. “We did find some evidence that we believe related to the disappearance of Venus.”

 

Lt. Risko wouldn't say exactly what investigators founds, but Doug Stewart was there to see the discovery.

 

“He wasn't there at the time we arrived,” said Lt. Risko. “he showed up a little while later and watched from across the street.”

 

Despite investigators finding evidence they say links Stewart to his wife's disappearance in Michigan, Ohio, and his home in Virginia, they still aren't ready to call him a suspect.

 

“We're not going to call him a suspect until we have an arrest warrant in our hands and we do not have that at this point,” said Lt. Risko.

 

And as long as Douglas Stewart is around, McComb says his grandchildren won't be.

 

“The police and Child Protection Services requested that we not have the kids here cause they're afraid Doug might kidnap them,” said McComb.

 

Police are still waiting for DNA results on blood samples taken from Doug's truck in Virginia. They are also trying to get that truck back to Michigan to compare the treads to tracks found outside Venus' parents' home.

http://www.youtube.com/v/EpGGnyXsKbk&hl=en_US&fs=1&

Case archive album for Venus Stewart:

http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Venus%20Stewart/

Thank you, AmandaReckonwith. 

Doug Stewart denied visitation rights

Custody hearing held Friday afternoon
Updated: Friday, 28 May 2010, 5:17 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 28 May 2010, 1:41 PM EDT

By Jessica Leffler


::monkeydust:: ::monkeydust:: ::monkeydust::

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - A custody hearing over where the children of Venus and Doug Stewart was held Friday afternoon in St. Joseph County.

During the custody hearing, a child protective services worker took the stand. She cited concerns with placing the children in Doug's care following allegations from one of the girls of innappropriate sexual contact. Charges were never filed in connection with those allegations.

Outside the courthouse, protesters plastered signs along the lawn. "We want our daughters to be safe," protestor Sue Billings said. "We're here in support of the daugthers, Venus and her parents."

The signs were in backlash against the possibility of Doug Stewart gaining custody of his kids, despite being named the only "person of interest" in the case of his wife's disappearance. Venus vanished April 26 from her parents' Colon Township home when she went outside around 7:30 a.m. in her pajamas.

A judge denied Doug visitation rights during the Friday hearing. And a petition was granted for a future hearing, which will be held June 17.

The Stewart's two girls are currently staying with Therese and Larry McComb, Venus' parents.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/Where-will-Venus-children-live

Daughters of missing woman Venus Stewart in court-ordered hiding
By Kathy Jessup | Kalamazoo Gazette
May 28, 2010, 6:35PM

CENTREVILLE — The two young daughters of a missing Colon woman and her estranged husband, who has been named a “person of interest” in her disappearance, are in court-ordered hiding.

A spokeswoman for the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office said Friday that the girls, ages 5 and 3, have been ordered to “a place the court feels is safe” and no specific information is being released on their whereabouts.

Douglas Stewart, the girls’ father and estranged husband of missing Venus Stewart, was in St. Joseph County Family Court Friday with his lawyers to request he be given custody of his daughters while his wife is missing.

Although state police have identified Douglas Stewart as a “person of interest” in the case of his missing wife, he has not been charged with any crime.

A prosecutor’s spokeswoman said the court ordered that Douglas Stewart will have no visitation with the two girls, at least until after a June 17 hearing to review developments in the case.
 
That’s scheduled for 1 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Courthouse in Centreville.
The two children and their mother were living at the Colon Township home of Venus Stewart’s parents on April 26 when the young mother was reported to have disappeared, wearing her pajamas.

Venus Stewart vanished one month after she was awarded custody of the couple’s children.
Despite a Michigan State Police investigation that reached to Newport News, Va., where Douglas Stewart was living at the time, no trace of the woman has been found.
Authorities have conducted searches of Douglas Stewart’s vehicles and his parents’ home in St. Joseph County’s Leonidas Township.

The results of forensic evidence testing have not yet been completed.
The girls had remained in the care of their maternal grandparents , Larry and Therese McComb, after their mother went missing. The McCombs said they had put the girls “in hiding” after their mother’s disappearance, saying they believed Douglas Stewart would try to take them.

Douglas Stewart had filed a petition May 14 seeking custody of the girls, citing their mother’s unknown whereabouts.

But the minors subsequently became wards of the court when the St. Joseph County Department of Human Services filed a child protective services petition, asking the court to make DHS responsible for the girls.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/stewart_daughters_in_court-ord.html

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2010m5d29-Venus-Stewart-Slain-womans-husband-loses-visitation-with-kids-after-allegation-of-sexual-abuse
Venus Stewart: Missing woman’s husband loses visitation with kids after allegation of sexual abuse
May 29, 2010

Only a week before Venus Stewart vanished, a judge granted her temporary legal and physical custody of her two children, allowing daily calls to their father. Her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, argued he was not receiving those calls and last week attempted to gain custody of the kids.

Venus is believed to have been kidnapped on the morning of April 26 from her parents’ home in Colon Township, Michigan after heading outside to check the mail. Stewart has been named the sole person of interest in his wife’s disappearance

On Friday, a family court judge in St. Joseph County stripped Stewart of his visitation rights and he is now facing a possible civil action for neglect, according to WTVB. According to the report, the judge took the action after a social worker testified that one of the children claims her father sexually abused her.

WTVB notes that Stewart has never been charged with sexually abusing his children.

Nonetheless, he was greeted by protestors outside the courtroom and refused to make any comments to media upon exiting the hearing.

Venus is described as a white female about 5-foot-4 and 130 lbs., with brown eyes and dark hair.

Anyone with information regarding Venus is urged to call the State Police Regional Dispatch Center in Rockford at 616-866-6666, or the White Pigeon post at 269-483-7611.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/newschannel-1377134-husband-0in.html
(video)
Estranged husband of missing mother in court
May 28, 2010

(http://images.onset.freedom.com/wwmt/medium/l35i9l-l35i9bdoug.jpg)



CENTREVILLE, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – The only person of interest in the disappearance of a West Michigan woman was in court in Centreville Friday.

 

Venus Stewart has been missing since the end of April. Her estranged husband, Doug Stewart, has not been charged, but police say he's the only person they are currently investigating.

 

On Friday a referee considered whether Doug should get to see his two children.

 

It was the first time we've seen Doug Stewart since the search for Venus started, and there were many eyes on him as he walked into court.

 

Flanked by his attorneys, Doug walked quickly into the juvenile courtroom. That courtroom is closed to cameras, but not to spectators. Venus' father was there, along with about a dozen other family members and friends.

 

Outside the court, some of those same folks were waving signs calling for Doug to be cut off from contact with his kids.

 

“I want him to know his child should be left with grandparents,” said family friend Connie O'Rourke. “We want Venus back.”

 

Friday's hearing was to determine if there is evidence to authorize a neglect or abuse petition against Doug, it stems from allegations made by Venus in February involving one of the couple's children.

 

A Human Services case worker refused to tell Newschannel 3 where the two children are currently living, only that their permanent address is the Colon Township home of Venus' parents. The home Venus disappeared from.

 

Attorney John Bush represented the two children in Friday's hearing. He says he saw the kids on Thursday and believes allowing Doug to have visitation would be harmful. He said the children are okay, but are confused about where their parents are.

 

The referee agreed that Doug's visitation should be suspended, saying that it was not in the best interest of the children to have contact with their father with the potential that he could disappear.

 

Outside of the court Doug refused to answer any questions from the media or onlookers. His attorneys would not speak with Newschannel 3 either.

 

 

http://www.wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/may/29/venus-stewarts-husband-lost-custody-rights/
Venus Stewart’s Husband Lost Custody Rights
May 29, 2010

COLDWATER (WTVB) - Douglas Stewart is being investigated for the disappearance of his estranged wife Venus, who went missing from outside her parent’s home in Colon Township in late April. Now he will also remain estranged from his children. He went into family court in St. Joseph County Friday petitioning to gain custody of his two daughters and walked out stripped of his visitation rights and facing possible civil action for neglect.

A social worker testified that one of the children claimed that Stewart sexually abused her, but he has never been charged with that either. Stewart was greeted by protests outside the courtroom and refused comment coming out.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/Is-there-a-Doug-Stewart-impersonator


Is there a Doug Stewart impersonator?


 ::MonkeyConfused:: ::MonkeyConfused:: ::MonkeyConfused::


MSP wants help with April 25-26 timeframe

Updated: Tuesday, 01 Jun 2010, 12:24 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 01 Jun 2010, 12:24 PM EDT


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - As the investigation into the April 26 abduction of Venus Stewart from outside her parents Colon Township home continues, police now want help determining if someone impersonated Douglas Stewart in Newport News, Virginia in that same timeframe.

The Michigan State Police is looking for anyone with information about "a person or persons who impersonated Douglas Stewart in the Newport News, Virginia area between" April 25-26. They're also looking for anyone who had contact with Douglas Stewart in that timeframe to contact them.

If you have information, call the Michigan State Police at 269.483.7811, or in the Newport News area, call 1.888.582.5887.

Venus Stewart, Doug's estranged wife, was last seen wearing pajamas. She was taken from her parents' home between 7:10 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on April 26. She has not been seen since.

Last week, a judge ruled Douglas Stewart could not have custody nor visit his children with Venus. He is described by police as a "person of interest" in Venus' disappearance.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/Is-there-a-Doug-Stewart-impersonator

Little Dougie.......your days are numbered.....  ::MonkeyGavel::

Michigan State Police say they're looking for anyone with information about a person who impersonated Douglas Stewart in the Newport News, Virginia area.  The impersonation reportedly happened between April 25 and 26, 2010.  Anyone who had contact with Stewart, or someone claiming to be Stewart, is asked to contact police.

http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=12574822

Ohhhh.  This is certainly an interesting development.  If someone impersonated Stewart or claimed to be be Stewart between April 25 and April 26, 2010, they  had better speak up now and see if they can make a deal.  If the cops hafta come and get this person, I don't think it will go as well, IMO.  I hope they fess up and tell all.  I wonder if this person that may have impersonated Stewart or claimed to be him was aware of Stewart's intentions to abduct/harm/murder Venus?  Stewart may have told the alleged impersonator he needed a stand in for some other reason and once Venus was taken and murdered, the alleged impersonator might be in too deep and think they won't found out.  Aiding and abetting an abduction and murder?  How much is that worth?  Better speak up now...JMHO  And if this alleged impersonator did know what Douglas Stewart's intentions were and the impersonator helped, well, there's prison time and of course, hell after that.  Again, JMHO.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1377226-page-imposter.html

Imposter sought in Stewart disappearance
2010-06-01 17:18:03
stewart-venus

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Tuesday saw new developments in the search for missing mother Venus Stewart.

Stewart disappeared in late April from her parents' home in St. Joseph County. Investigators have searched, but have yet to find the missing mother of two.

Police have stopped short of referring to Venus' estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, a suspect, saying only that he's a person of interest, but they are taking a closer look at his story.

Doug says he was in Virginia when Venus was abducted and says there are witnesses and documents to back that up, but now police say they know the alibi is bogus.

Investigators say they have evidence that they can't currently discuss which puts Doug in Michigan on the morning Venus disappeared. They also say Doug was back at his home in Virginia just after 8:00 pm the same day.

However, police say that for up to 48 hours prior to that time at least one person, possibly more, was traveling around Newport News, Virginia claiming to be Douglas Stewart.

“He probably must have had a number of Doug Stewart's personal documents,” said Lt. Mike Risko of the Michigan State Police. “We believe that he was pretending to be Mr. Stewart or impersonating Mr. Stewart at a number of different businesses, paying bills, drawing funds, things of that nature.”

Police say the imposter was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, ball cap and dark mirrored sunglasses. They are looking for help in identifying the man they say was pretending to be Douglas Stewart and say if the imposter doesn't reveal himself in the next few days he could be facing serious charges.

Thanks Klaas for the interesting update.  It sounds to me like some folks went to a lot of trouble to set up and execute an elaborate plan (premeditated) days in advance.  And it sounds like the imposter had better get in to see the police detectives and start splainin.  JMHO 

The masquerade will end, just it will take time.

You betcha -- lots of splainin to do on this one -- yipes!
 :smt084

Joran VS wanted and now this update with this imposter!  It's starting to be a goooood day!!!!!  I hope these guys get what's coming to 'em.

Wow I bet Doug Stewart thought he would get away with this. He may be smart but there is always someone out there smarter. I wonder if this person knew why they were impersonating Doug. They could very well be charged with accessory if so. Obviously they know now and need to come forward. It is only a matter of time before this person is revealed. I wonder if this person used the other vehicle and their finger prints are in it?
O/T  It is a shame it took another murder for VS to be caught. I hope they can hold him this time.  Have a great day all.

Published: June 06, 2010

The Husband is SO GUILTY in the Abduction of Venus Rose Stewart!

A woman exits the home where she is staying in an early morning hour; she sojourns out merely to mail a letter. The woman is clothed in only slippers and pajamas; oddly enough, she never returns to her house and to the companionship of her two young daughters. She simply vanishes. "It's as if she disappeared from the face of the earth," says Lt. Mike Risko.

Yet evidence remains of a violent struggle; the ground is torn up, by way of large gouges and heel marks, and the woman's footprint was left on a gas tank in the yard. Her abductor must have grabbed her right at this very spot, at the gas tank, which is in the front yard? A piece of tarp left behind by the kidnapper was found on the scene later on by police.

Shortly before the abduction, a witness sees a stranger who is sopping wet, down by nearby lake by the name of Adams. The stranger asks for a cigarette. The exact time of this incident is not indicated in extant reports. Later on, a neighbor sees an out-of-place truck parked in an adjacent (to the McComb residence), abandoned lot.

The spotting of this truck by a neighbor occurred on the same morning that the woman went missing, early Monday morning, April 26th. Evidence of a tire track is left behind where the suspicious car was parked. Perhaps, this tire track is being tested to see if it matches the tire of our person of interest? I can't confirm this.

The woman in question is Venus Rose Stewart, 32, and the location of her abduction is at her parents' house, on Driftwood Drive in Colon Township, Michigan. Colon Township is in St. Joseph County, a rural area in southern Michigan. After the abduction, Venus Stewart's father, Larry McComb, finds four detailed notes written by Venus, that document some of the transgressions of her estranged husband, Doug Stewart.

(http://newsblaze.com/pix/2010/0606/pix/Doug-Stewart.230.jpg)

Significant physical evidence, that points to the husband, Doug Stewart, as the perpetrator of his wife's abduction, includes a Wal-Mart receipt on the front passenger seat floor of his silver Dodge Ram pickup truck. Doug purchased a tarp, gloves, a shovel and a hat. A video tape from the Ohio Wal-Mart exists also of these suspicious purchases.

The time of purchase was at 6:45 PM, April 25th, the day before Venus went missing. The location of the Wal-Mart was somewhere in Ohio, an approximate midpoint between Newport News, Virginia, where Stewart lived, and Venus' parents home in Colon Township, Michigan. This suggests that Doug was making a beeline towards Venus' known location, and thought to pick up a few items needed for his intended purpose.

A shovel? Okay. A tarp? Yea. Gloves and a hat? Sure, let's not leave any fingerprints. And now Lt. Mike Risko of the Michigan State Police is saying they can definitely place Douglas Stewart in Michigan on the day that Venus Stewart was abducted. Risko hasn't revealed how they have been able to tie him specifically to Michigan?

Perhaps, even more important, is the evidence of blood found in Doug Harrie Stewart's pickup truck. Apparently, there was additional blood found inside Doug's other car, a Mercury Sable. The question remains, is this blood that of Venus Rose Stewart's? A Michigan crime lab is doing analysis of the blood at this time. If they can confirm that it's Venus,' I would think they can make an arrest, of Mister Stewart of course!

All along Doug has claimed he has a solid alibi, that he was in Newport, News, Virginia at the time Venus went missing. Authorities now believe that an impersonator was purposely being seen at various locations in the Newport, News vicinity. According to Lt. Risko, the impersonator visited Stewart's law office and paid a bill for his civil custody case. A clerk at the receptionist desk was tricked into believing it was actually Stewart himself!

This impersonator had on a hoodie and dark glasses. (I heard he had on a baseball cap also?) This imposter was also captured on video at Doug's apartment complex. Remember, this was near to the time that Venus vanished, that early Monday morning of April 26th. It's implied that Doug would have had to have hired this shady individual to sheep his identity. Risko says: "This person may not have known what Mr. Stewart was up to."

Most chilling of all is the plethora of court records, in which Venus sought court-ordered protection. These documents are more circumstantial in nature, in the way they make Doug Stewart culpable in this abduction (and quite possibly the murder of his wife). But the level of fear present in what Venus wrote is most shocking, in the sense that she already knows that her husband is going to kill her. It was a given.

A portion of one such document reads: "I am tired of living in constant fear and I am afraid of what this is doing to my children. I am scared to death and everyday I live in constant fear and I am constantly looking over my shoulder wondering when he will appear again."

A second document, that I believe was a petition for a personal-protection order (just an empty piece of paper really) filed in March of 2009 against Doug, includes more feelings of foreboding from Venus. "Once Doug loses all control over me, he is going to hunt me down and kill me. Now that I don't have my parents to protect me and if he finds out where I am at he is going to kill me! It is only a matter of time."

This is hard to believe, but the judge in St. Joseph County denied this second request for a protection order. The reason given by the judge is that the request must be only granted 'for emergency situations, where there is danger of harm happening within the next few days.' I am disappointed in the judge's decision and greatly disturbed by the words that Venus has written.

Just this last February, Venus filed yet a third request for a protection order; finally, this one was granted. By this time she had fled Virginia and her controlling husband, and returned to live in Michigan with her empathizing parents.

In this February 26th document her phrasing is still imbued with fear and desperation. One can only imagine how abusive, how bad this Stewart fellow is. Venus' words express her high anxiety, she says she's: "running for my life so I will be around for my kids."

One item that might be interpreted as the denouement in this case, is the fact that on April 19th a judge granted Venus temporary custody of the estranged couple's two daughters. Therese McComb, Venus' mother, sensed strongly that this was a threatening development. Therese heard her daughter's words after court and believed her fears were real. Venus said to her: "I lived with him. I know. He's going to get me somehow, somewhere." I don't believe her concerns were unfounded; she knew just how crazy this man was, for sure.

Some speculation on my part is called for at this time. This excogitation contains the premise that the husband did do it; let me include this disclaimer so that some might not accuse me of falsely, or better yet, prematurely fingering a fellow of grievous wrong doings. I'm simply turning this theory over in your minds with inky words. Words that may give us insight into this case of mysterious abduction.

So here we go, why would Doug go to all the trouble to establish a reliable alibi, by way of hiring an imposter that is visibly seen at locations normally frequented by Doug, and smartly timed when the abduction was taking place in Michigan, and yet be so stupid as to leave a Wal-Mart receipt lingering on a floorboard of his pickup truck?

Moreover, I believe he was video-taped purchasing these fishy items at the Wal-Mart? How stupid is this? He should have shopped at a pawn shop and paid cold, untraceable cash. In stark contrast, the imposter scheme reeks of cleverness! Go figure.

Furthermore, why would he use his own pickup truck to carry out this crime? Didn't he fear that someone would identify it or take down the tag? And didn't he wear a disguise on that Monday morning? The police sketch shows a man with a mustache and without eye-glasses. Doug, of course, wore eye-glasses, but maybe not all of time, like when he was committing crimes.

Even more stupid to me, is the fact that he did not clean up all of the blood from the two vehicles? How could this be, unless he did not see all of the stains. And how could there be blood in two different vehicles? I don't want to get too graphic, and you probably know where I'm going with this, but this suggests a moving of the body, or possibly a transporting of bloody clothing in a different vehicle, don't you think?

I sure hope this character is arrested soon; you know right here and now I believe that the husband did it. But the police must build a solid case, if it's going to stick in court. One can only imagine the malice this man must hold in his heart for his wife (no more). And DNA evidence results take a life time (it seems) to come back from the lab. And don't forget, the imposter must come forward to tell what he knows!

After Susan Powell, this is the most disturbing case I've seen, where a wife goes missing (seemingly forever). The difference in this case from Susan Powell's is that Josh covered his tracks thoroughly, where as Doug Stewart left a plethora of incriminating evidence across the wide landscape of America, from Virginia through Ohio, and well into Michigan. But he won't get away with it! Doug can look forward to a conviction of first degree murder and certainly, a death sentence awaits him. And don't think Josh Powell won't pay for his crime some day!

(Sources-Fox 17 online, Michelle Sigona.com, helpfindthemissing.com, Kalamazoo Gazette and Jane Velez-Mitchell's Issues)

http://newsblaze.com/story/20100606163607kays.nb/topstory.html

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/Doug-Stewart-in-court-over-child-allegations

Estranged husband of missing mother in court for allegations of abuse
June 17, 2010 4:53 PM



ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – As the search for a missing West Michigan mother continues, her estranged husband is back in court.

 

Venus Stewart has been missing since April, when she disappeared from her parent's home in St. Joseph County. Venus' husband, Doug Stewart, is the only person of interest in the case of her disappearance.


http://www.wwmt.com/articles/style-1377918-margin-span.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/06/judge_denies_visitation_with_k.html
Judge denies visitation with daughters to Douglas Stewart, who now faces abuse/neglect allegation
June 17, 2010

CENTREVILLE — Douglas Stewart will continue to have no contact with his two young daughters after St. Joseph County Family Court Judge Thomas E. Shumaker said a jury would decide if Stewart is a fit parent.

Noticeably absent from Thursday’s child abuse/neglect arraignment was the children’s mother, Venus Stewart, who was abducted from outside her parents’ Colon home April 26.
Douglas Stewart has been identified by Michigan State Police as the lone “person of interest” in his estranged wife’s disappearance. But no arrests have been made.

Thursday’s arraignment resulted from a civil petition brought by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office on behalf of the county’s Department of Human Services that alleges Douglas Stewart engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with at least one of his daughters. That petition is based on claims Venus Stewart brought to authorities while the family was together, living in Virginia, earlier this year.


Shumaker’s ruling to keep the girls in court-supervised foster care and separated from their father was supported by John Bush, a Sturgis attorney appointed to represent the daughters’ interests.

Lawyers for Douglas Stewart denied the child abuse allegations and requested a jury trial on the civil matter. A pretrial conference is slated for July 1 when a trial date could be set.

In these types of cases, a six-member jury makes decisions that affect parental rights.

Court records show the Stewarts had a tumultuous relationship when they lived in Michigan and later when the family moved to Virginia. In a custody action brought by Venus Stewart shortly before her disappearance, she alleged that one daughter told her that Douglas Stewart had engaged the girl in inappropriate sexual contact.

The filing said Venus Stewart immediately left Virginia with the girls and returned to Michigan where she was living with her parents when she was abducted.
Douglas Stewart has denied the sexual abuse allegation in his court filings, claiming his wife manufactured the charge to gain custody. He has also denied any role in Venus Stewart’s disappearance and declined reporters’ requests for comment at Thursday’s court appearance.

Several of Stewart’s family members were in the courtroom Thursday. But most of the gallery contained friends and relatives of Venus Stewart.

Meanwhile, Detective Michael Scott, of the Michigan State Police, White Pigeon, said Thursday the investigation into what happened to Venus Stewart continues full-time here, aided by police in Newport News, Va., where the couple had lived.

Scott, a 30-year state police veteran who has been the go-to investigator in a number of high-profile St. Joseph County cases, called the Stewart investigation “unique.”

“This continues to be a very active case,” Scott said. “Usually, by this time, we’ve gotten what we’re going to get in leads. In this case, we’re still getting leads that are significant."

Scott declined to elaborate on what new evidence police have uncovered. But he acknowledged officers still don’t know Venus Stewart’s whereabouts, only that there has been no sign of her since she went, dressed in her pajamas, to retrieve mail from her parents’ mailbox early in the morning of April 26.

Scott said the results of forensic tests on a substance believed to be blood recovered from Douglas Stewart’s vehicle still may be weeks off.

And police continue to follow tips that place Douglas Stewart in Michigan at the time his wife disappeared, rather than in Virginia, as he has claimed. An impostor was passing himself off as Douglas Stewart at various locations in the Newport News area on the day Venus disappeared, police have said.

Doug Stewart was arrested last night for his missing estranged wife's murder and kidnapping..I do not have a link yet. A poster at HFTM left the message.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stewart Charged With Open MurderPosted Wednesday June 23, 2010
18 minutes ago

CENTREVILLE (WTVB) – Michigan State Police say they are convinced that Doug Stewart abducted and killed his estranged wife, Bronson high graduate Venus Stewart. Doug Stewart was arrested yesterday and is being lodged in the St. Joseph County Jail. St, Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said Stewart is being held on open murder and conspiracy charges.

Venus disappeared two months ago this Saturday, leaving behind only scuff marks on a propane tank, signs of a struggle in some loose gravel and the wrapper from a Walmart tarp, in her parent’s front yard. She vanished a week after she gained custody of their two daughters, alleging that Doug had had inappropriate contact with one of the girls.

Evidence began surfacing pointing at Doug as the likely suspect. A witness saw a truck like his parked nearby on the morning of her disappearance. Later forensic teams would find blood in the truck, and a receipt from a Walmart in Ohio recording the purchase of a tarp, gloves and a shovel the day before her disappearance.

He insisted he had an alibi, that he was in Virginia that morning, but Investigators now say an imposter was used to create that alibi. He has since given State Police information about the case. There have been reports of other evidence, tire tracks, trace materials pulled from the vehicle and eyewitness accounts of Stewart being in Michigan the day before the abduction. Stewart is expected to be arraigned later today.

http://www.wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/jun/23/stewart-arrested-wifes-disappearance/

Details of allegations against Doug Stewart released
Comments 8 | Recommend 0
June 22, 2010 6:08 PM
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – New information is emerging about why the estranged husband of Venus Stewart is facing child abuse charges.

Venus was last seen in April, her estranged husband, Doug Stewart, is the only person of interest in her disappearance. 

Doug was recently ordered to stand trial for a separate case involving one of the couple's two daughters. 

Court records that became public Tuesday afternoon explain why the judge thought there was enough evidence to authorize the prosecutor's petition. 

Cameras were not permitted at the recent hearing, and the specific abuse allegations against Doug were not known until the court records became public.

The first says the Department of Human Services received a complaint regarding inappropriate contact between Doug and one of his daughters in late February. 

The second says that daughter had a forensic interview that determined her statements were consistent and credible. 

During the recent hearing, Stewart's attorney denied the allegations and requested a jury trial. She also requested a change of venue to Kalamazoo County, something the judge denied. 

The judge wrote “all factors show residence of the children was and is St. Joseph County, also there are Department of Human Service records that Venus Stewart was receiving benefits for her two girls from St. Joseph County DHS. There can be no other ruling by the court except the venue is in St. Joseph County and the children have and do reside there.” 

Doug Stewart has a pre-trial hearing set for July 1st. His attorney had argued for a change of venue because of adverse publicity, but the judge wrote that the county prosecutor wants to try and seat an impartial jury in St. Joseph County before moving the case.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/style-1378122-span-margin.html

Douglas Stewart charged with murder
Comments 19 | Recommend 4
June 23, 2010 10:16 AM

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The man who is under suspicion for the disappearance of his wife has been charged with murder.

The last time anyone saw Venus Stewart was late April.

She vanished from her parents house in Colon Township.

Police have been keeping a close eye on her estranged husband Douglas Stewart.

He claimed to be in Virginia at the time of her disappearance, but now he's under arrest and has been charged with murder.

Police say that they ramped up the investigation after an impersonator was discovered. Investigators think that the man posed as Stewart to give him an alibi.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/charged-1378156-stewart-douglas.html

VIDEO
http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/fox17-venus-stewart,0,100097.story
Stewart was arrested Tuesday near his parent's home in Fulton and is being held in the St. Joseph County jail. He's expected to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon on charges of open murder and conspiracy to committ murder.

Thank-you for the article. Camera's aren't allowed in the Courtroom. This is a high profile case, I wonder if Courtroom Artist's
are allowed in the Courtroom?

I don't know. I can't even find a Mug Shot of him...but I am not good at that anyway.

Thanks for the updates, I am so glad they arrested him! What a selfish pos:(

Police convinced Venus Stewart is dead: Cooperation by alleged accomplice Richard Spencer key to murder charge

Published: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 8:01 AM     
CENTREVILLE — Little is yet known about Richard Spencer, the man police interviewed Tuesday in the apparent abduction and killing of Venus Rose Stewart.

What’s clear is what Spencer told investigators about Douglas H. Stewart turned Venus Stewart’s estranged husband from a person of interest to a murder defendant.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said authorities believe that Douglas Stewart and Spencer began conspiring in early April on a plan that led to Venus Stewart’s abduction and death.

“He has been tremendously cooperative and is certainly a big reason why we are here today,” McDonough of Spencer said Wednesday at a press conference during which he announced he had authorized charges of open murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder against Douglas Stewart.

Spencer allegedly acted as an impostor for Stewart and visited an attorney’s office in Newport News, Va., on April 26 to make a payment on Stewart’s legal account.

McDonough acknowledged that Douglas Stewart and Spencer were acquaintances but declined Wednesday to discuss why Spencer would take part in the alleged conspiracy or whether he knew Venus Stewart. The prosecutor declining to give Spencer’s age or residence or to discuss  when police tracked him down.

Based on information Spencer and “numerous different sources” have provided, investigators are “convinced” Venus Stewart is dead, the McDonough said. Spencer, however, was not able to shed light on where her body may be located, according to the prosecutor.

Douglas Stewart, 29, was arraigned on the felony charges Wednesday in St. Joseph County District Court and faces up to life in prison on each count, if convicted. A judge ordered that he be held on $4 million cash/surety bond.

The Kalamazoo Gazette was unable to reach Douglas Stewart’s attorney, Jeffrey M. Schroder, of Portage, for comment. Venus Stewart’s father, Larry McComb, said Wednesday that he had been advised by his attorney not to speak with the media.

Spencer has not been charged with a crime and was not being held by police, as of Wednesday, due to his cooperation, McDonough said. He will at some point face charges, however, and is expected to testify at a hearing on evidence against Douglas Stewart scheduled for July 1, the prosecutor said.

Stewart’s arrest Tuesday near his parents’ home in Fulton and the filing of charges Wednesday were the latest developments in a case that began April 26. That was the day, Michigan State Police have said, that Venus Stewart was abducted in front of her parents’ Colon Township home between 7:10 and 8:30 a.m. as the pajama-clad mother of two went to the mailbox to mail a letter.

McDonough said Wednesday, however, that police now allege Douglas Stewart was able to lure his estranged wife from the Driftwood Drive residence, after which he abducted her, killed her and disposed of her body.

Investigators allege that Douglas Stewart traveled from Newport News, Va., where he resided, on April 25 and stopped at a Walmart in Ohio to purchase a tarp, gloves, shovel and hat that were listed on a receipt found in his pickup truck. Police have information that after the alleged abduction and murder, Stewart traveled back to Virginia, where he met with Spencer, exchanged clothes that Spencer had worn to impersonate him and the two men went their “separate ways.”

With Douglas Stewart now charged and jailed, McDonough said “priority one” is to locate Venus Stewart’s body. He said police “have ideas” about where her body may be located and how she died, but declined to elaborate.

The prosecutor also acknowledged that a possible plea deal for Douglas Stewart in exchange for information on the whereabouts of his estranged wife’s body is “something to be discussed at a later date.”

Spencer gave investigators information about a possible murder motive, according to McDonough, who declined to elaborate on specifics.

“I think he was very angry with her,” the prosecutor said of Douglas Stewart.

As the investigation continues, authorities are still awaiting results of lab tests on evidence, including suspected blood found in Douglas Stewart’s pickup truck during a May 5 search of the vehicle.

Police have said tire treads on the truck appear to match tire marks found at the scene of Venus Stewart’s disappearance. McDonough said police are still working to bring the truck to Michigan from Virginia for further analysis.

McDonough said, however, that lab results will not make or break his case against Douglas Stewart and that the investigation has already “given us enough beyond a reasonable doubt that (Douglas Stewart) is the person and (Venus) is in fact deceased.”
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/06/police_convinced_venus_stewart.html

MUG SHOT
(http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/douglas-stewart-side-by-side-mug-99a80ca4228dbfc6_large.jpg)
Douglas Stewart
Courtesy of St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office

Such a waste of a man! There are two little girls that will grow up without a mother and a father now. They will grow up knowing that their daddy killed their mommy. How horrible and sad this is.  This will follow them for the rest of their lives.  What a selfish @$%^&!( I guess that is allowed as far as cursing). I wonder if he will reveal where he dumped her body?  This is just awful......  :(

Stewart’s bond was set at $4 million. He is set for preconference hearing on June 29 and a preliminary exam July 1.

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/features/x696774323/Stewart-charged-with-murder

Yeah, a bond that means something!!!
What a piece of ********

Well...here is one we can rule out >
UPDATE: New details have been released on the human remains found earlier this week in Lenawee County. The Michigan State Police Forensics Lab has determined that the remains were from an individual who was buried at the location.

Crews also found shreds of wood and square nails, which indicate that person was buried in a casket, perhaps around the mid 1800's. The remains are now on their way to the Michigan State University anthropology unit for further evaluation.
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7439238

Man admits to impersonating husband of missing Venus Stewart
June 25, 2:45 AM

Investigators had tracked down a man named Richard Spencer who admitted he had impersonated Douglas Stewart, by wearing his clothes, so that Douglas had an alibi for where he was the night that Venus disappeared, according to CBS affiliate WWMT.

Spencer met Douglas through the internet and was not paid to act as an impersonator.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough speaking at a press conference said based on information investigators have learned from many sources, “We’re convinced Venus is deceased.”

Douglas will be back in court on June 29 and the prelim is set for July 1st.

The search for Venus has been stepped up and authorities are hopeful she will be found.

http://www.examiner.com/x-46795-Missing-Persons-Examiner~y2010m6d25-Man-admits-to-impersonating-husband-of-missing-Venus-Stewart

I am just feeling sorry for you, Nut, having to talk to yourself and all....

This is so sad.  What a selfish and inhumane thing to do.  My prayers that these children will have somewhere to grow up that they are loved, nurtured, and supported.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/07/alleged_accomplice_lays_out_mu.html
Alleged accomplice lays out murder plot: "It's done," witness says Douglas Stewart told of his wife's killing
July 2, 2010

(http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/richard-spencer-venus-stewart-case-1e1f0953c7472d89_large.jpg)
Mark Bugnaski | Kalamazoo GazetteThe man who authorities have
identified as Doug Stewart's alleged accomplice in the abduction and killing of Stewart's estranged wife took the stand Thursday in St. Joseph County District Court. Richard Spencer, 20, of Bear, Del., testified during Stewart's preliminary examination that he and Stewart, 29, met in December 2008 while playing Xbox Live, a gaming system with online capabilities.


CENTREVILLE — Douglas Stewart drove to Michigan twice in April with plans to kill his estranged wife, according to Richard Spencer.

He changed his mind during the first trip when a police officer stopped him en route, Stewart’s alleged co-conspirator testified Thursday.

A little more than a week later, following Stewart’s second drive trip to Michigan, 32-year-old Venus Stewart was dead.

“He calls me and says, ‘Hey, it’s done,’” Spencer testified of the morning of April 26, the day police allege Venus Stewart was abducted from the front yard of her parents’ St. Joseph County home.

“He said he was able to get her into a headlock and that a drop of blood came from her nose, that it hit the concrete,” Spencer said.

After hearing testimony Thursday from Spencer and two other witnesses, a judge ordered Douglas Stewart to stand trial on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder.

Police allege the 29-year-old abducted and killed Venus Stewart, then disposed of her body, which has not been found. He faces up to life in prison on each count, if convicted, and is being held on $4 million cash/surety bond.

Also testifying at Thursday’s preliminary examination in St. Joseph County District Court were Venus Stewarts’ father, Larry McComb, and Michigan State Police Trooper Aaron Steensma, the first officer to respond to the McCombs’ residence April 26.
“Hi Doug. Murdered anyone lately?” McComb, when asked to point out Stewart, said from the witness stand. The comment drew a rebuke and threat of jail for contempt of court from Judge Jeff Middleton.

It was Spencer, as the key prosecution witness, who was on the stand for most of Thursday’s hearing.

Under questioning from St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough, the 20-year-old college student from Bear, Del., testified that he and Stewart met in 2008 through Xbox Live, an online gaming service, and at times played military-themed games like “Call of Duty” and “Halo 3” for six to 10 hours a day.

The two developed a tight bond and Spencer said he considered Stewart his “best friend.” They spent “a couple thousand hours” talking, Spencer testified, including about the divorce Stewart was going through with his wife in Michigan.

Spencer said he and Stewart had less contact beginning in mid 2009 after Stewart told him he was getting back with his wife and moving to Virginia. But they started speaking again on a more consistent basis in February when Stewart contacted him on Xbox Live with a message that his wife had “all the sudden left and his kids were gone.”

“He believed that she ... planned this all out, that she just wanted to make him feel like they were getting back together and then take all the money and go back to Michigan,” Spencer testified.


Spencer said he drove from Delaware to Newport News, Va., to visit Stewart during the first week of April, when Stewart first mentioned plans to kill his estranged wife. Spencer said Steward asked him to be “his alibi” and “pretend to be me.”

“He told me he was ... planning this for awhile now, deciding when he was going to do this, that he was going to kill his wife,” Spencer testified.

Spencer said he initially declined to take part but changed his mind when, near the end of his stay in Virginia, Stewart was informed his wife was trying to get custody of their two daughters and that Children’s Protective Services investigators were looking into allegations he had molested one of the girls. Stewart had claimed that it was Venus Stewart who was abusive to their daughters, Spencer said.

“He was disgusted by it,” Spencer recounted. “... He was like, ‘This is why my wife is mentally hurting my kids and physically hurting my kids.’”

Once he agreed to help, Spencer said Stewart told him he knew the structure of the McCombs’ Driftwood Drive residence in Colon Township and had a “premade spot for Venus to bury her.”

The two met again April 15 in Bethesda, Md., where Stewart gave Spencer his credit card, keys to his apartment and vehicle, clothes and a paper that told Spencer when to do certain things, such as going to a Wendy’s restaurant to use Stewart’s credit card.

Spencer said the plan was foiled, though, when Stewart was pulled over by a police officer while on his way to Michigan, which would have provided a record of his whereabouts had he gone through then with his plan to kill his wife.

Spencer said he mailed Stewart’s items back to him but that the two met again April 25 in Bethesda, where Stewart again gave him the items and similar instructions to use his credit card, stay at his Newport News residence and make a payment on Stewart’s account at an attorney’s office.

Spencer testified that early on April 26, Stewart called and asked him to retrieve Venus Stewart’s cell phone number from his own cell phone. He said that later, Stewart told him he had called the McComb residence and pretended to be the mailman with a package for his wife.

Stewart said he confronted Venus Stewart after she walked out of her parents’ house and that she “screamed one time and tried to fight” before he put her in a headlock and abducted her, Spencer testified.

Spencer said Stewart called again a few minutes later and told him he had to pick a new place to bury his wife because “there were people around” the spot he had picked out.

In the following days, Spencer said he and Stewart communicated only through Xbox Live because Stewart feared his phone conversations were being recorded.

“I asked him before, ‘Was it all worth it?,” Spencer testified. “He said to protect his kids and give them a future, it was.”

Authorities have said they plan to charge Spencer for his alleged role. He was given immunity from having Thursday’s testimony used against him in subsequent hearings. His Michigan attorney, David Moore, told Middleton during Thursday’s hearing that an offer by McDonough’s office that isn’t yet official calls for Spencer to be charged with manslaughter and to serve a jail sentence.

Stewart, meanwhile, is scheduled to be arraigned July 19 in St. Joseph County Circuit Court on the murder and conspiracy charges.

Spencer testified that early on April 26, Stewart called and asked him to retrieve Venus Stewart’s cell phone number from his own cell phone. He said that later, Stewart told him he had called the McComb residence and pretended to be the mailman with a package for his wife.

Why Venus walked to the mailbox?  To retrieve a package (set-up) by Doug?  wow, cold-blooded. He won't get-off-premediated. July 19 next court date for D.S.

July 16, 2010 3:25 PM
Venus Stewart Update: Police Search Near In-Laws' Property for Missing Woman

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (CBS/WWMT) About 30 police officers walked for miles looking for Venus Stewart, the Michigan mother who has been missing since April and is presumed dead, but they found no sign of the woman.

The search for Venus picked up again on Thursday as investigators searched an area south of Doug Stewart's parents' home.

The area behind Doug Stewart's family property is 180 acres, most of it farm fields, but about 70 acres of that area is thick brush.

"It's so thick right now we could go over the grave site and not know it," Michigan State Trooper Felix Ambris told CBS affiliate WWMT.

Ambris was overseeing Thursday's search, which included officers from the state police, local city police, and the FBI.

Some of the areas hit during Thursday's search have been gone over before, but investigators wanted to make sure that nothing was missed.

Finding Venus' body is important to police and the family, but they believe the case against Doug Stewart is solid even without it. They say there's another reason they are out searching.

"It's more important for the family," said Det. Ambris to WWMT. "That's why we are going to do anything we can to ding it, find the body for them."

Police say they will continue looking, but have not specified where or when.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20010761-504083.html

Solid as a rock!!!
The poor children and all the loved ones of Venus.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2010m7d20-Venus-Stewart-update-Husband-pleads-not-guilty-to-killing-wife-will-stand-trial-in-November
Venus Stewart update: Husband pleads not guilty to killing wife, will stand trial in November
July 20, 2010



Venus Stewart update: Husband pleads not guilty to killing wife, will stand trial in November

Douglas Stewart, the estranged husband of missing Michigan woman Venus Stewart, entered a not guilty plea on Monday regarding the murder of his wife.

Although Venus’ body has not been recovered, authorities believe she is dead.

Stewart, 29, was charged in early July with murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in connection with his estranged wife.

Venus, 32, disappeared outside her parents' home in Colon Township on April 26. Police believe she was kidnapped wearing her pajamas as she walked to the mailbox at the end of her parents' driveway early in the morning.
To see photos of Venus, click here.

Although Stewart initially provided verifiable information regarding his whereabouts on the morning Venus vanished, another man, Richard Spencer, told authorities he gave Stewart his alibi by impersonating him. Spencer claims he conspired with Stewart so he could kill his wife.

Stewart remains behind bars in the county jail on a $4 million bond. If convicted of the charges, Stewart could receive up to two life sentences for each count. Jury selection for his November 1 trial is slated to begin October 29.

Typical.....not guilty plea :roll: Effin loser.... I hope they find her body before trial, if not, the evidence will convict him anyway  ::MonkeyGavel::

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/08/police_conduct_search_for_body.html
Police conduct search for body of Venus Stewart near Kalamazoo County-St. Joseph County line
August 5, 2010

LEONIDAS TOWNSHIP — Police are searching an area along the Kalamazoo County-St. Joseph County line for the body of

Stewart, a 32-year-old mother of two, has been missing since April 26 and Michigan State Police investigators have said they are convinced she is dead.

Her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, 29, has been charged with open murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premediated murder in connection with Venus Stewart’s death.


Doug Stewart, who is being held in the St. Joseph County Jail on $4 million bond, is scheduled to stand trial Nov. 1 in St. Joseph County Circuit Court.

State police have conducted previous searches for Venus Stewart that have proven unsuccessful.
Lt. John Slenk said the area troopers were searching Thursday was just north of Doug Stewart’s parents’ Fulton Road home in Leonidas Township.

Slenk said the area is one familiar to Doug Stewart and an area where he used to hunt for deer.

Thursday’s search began at about 8:30 a.m. As of 3 p.m., police had yet to locate anything, the lieutenant said.

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/community/colon/x1110534223/Body-not-recovered-but-police-pinpoint-areas-for-further-examination
Body not recovered, but police pinpoint areas for further examination
August 6, 2010
(http://www.sturgisjournal.com/archive/x1028347680/g12c0000000000000003211d641f1a7b71ce71607823f3f97a2b55c3c8b.jpg)
Corky Emrick/Journal
Police begin their search for Venus Stewart Thursday morning in a swamp in Leonidas Township. The area is near the border between Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties.

Leonidas, Twp. —

About 54 police personnel gathered Thursday morning at the Colon Fire Department to begin another search for Venus Stewart.
Stewart, who is presumed dead, has been missing since April 26. She was last seen outside her parents’ home on Driftwood Drive in Colon Township. Her 33rd birthday was Wednesday.
Douglas Stewart, her estranged husband, has been formally charged with one count of open murder and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
His trial is set to begin Oct. 29.
On Thursday, police searched about 160 acres in an area known as Black Snake swamp.
Her body was not found, but officials said late Thursday that several places of interest were marked and will be examined much more closely.
Land owners told police that Douglas Stewart had hunted parts of the land.
His tree stand still remains in part of the heavily wooded area.
“We felt we had to cover this area,” State Police Lt. Mike Risko said. “He  was very familiar with this area.”
The land, which borders Kalamazoo County at 40th Street and Z Avenue and Rosenbaugh Road in
St. Joseph County, is about one mile from the home of Doug Stewart’s parents.
The 160 acres were sectioned off into three parcels.
Along with several divisions of the Michigan State Police, officers from Sturgis, Three Rivers, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, St. Joseph County Victims Services and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office took part.
Also assisting were seven K-9s and a cadaver K-9.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/search-1380156-continues-stewart.html
(with video)
Search continues for Venus Stewart
August 12, 2010

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – The search for a missing West Michigan mother resumed on Thursday.

Venus Stewart disappeared from her parents' home in Colon Township in late April. Her husband, Doug Stewart, is charged with killing her, even though investigators have not found Venus' body.

Thursday saw the third large-scale search since Doug Stewart was arrested, and once again searchers faced thick brush and humid weather. They marched across miles and miles of woods, tall grass and heavy underbrush, police were using machetes to cut their way from one road to the other.

“We're out trying,” said Det. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, “that's the main thing, we are trying.”

Searchers aren't certain that Venus' body is even in the area, but the evidence suggests she's not far from her parents' home where police believe Doug abducted her.

Searchers were looking for anything out of place, hoping that if there is evidence in the area, it hasn't been hidden by all the growth.

“Back in late April, when Venus went missing, it wouldn't have been as thick,” said Det. Scott.

On Thursday searchers did find a few suspicious spots that have been flagged for a second look. While bone fragments likely belong to animals, photos of them will be sent to the state police lab for confirmation. A firearm was also found not far from the edge of a road.

Investigators are primarily looking for clothing, digging tools or a tarp. The alleged accomplice of Doug Stewart told police that Stewart had dug out a spot he planned to bury Venus in, but according to the witness it was discovered by someone before the murder.

“That's one of the other things we are looking for, not just a grave site, but a pre-dug hole,” said Det. Scott.

Detectives admit Venus could be anywhere between St. Joseph County and Virginia, but say evidence has kept them close to the area Venus disappeared from.

“Based on information, we tend to believe we are in the right area,” said Det. Scott, “but you are right, we don't know where she is.”

Newschannel 3 spoke to Venus' father, Larry McComb, on the phone Thursday. He said he's worried that unless Doug tells police where the body is, Venus might never be found.

McComb says he's even gone to some areas himself in search of his daughter, but admits it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. He also said that while he thought the pain over losing his daughter might start to ease, it's only been getting worse.

Police say they'd like to find the body before Doug Stewart's trial starts in November, but closure for the family is another important reason they keep heading out into the woods.

“Like I said, we'll never quit looking,” said Det. Scott. “If we get a good lead where she might be, we'll be looking.”

http://www.wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/aug/13/another-search-venus-unsuccessful/
Another Search For Venus Unsuccessful
August 13, 2010
COLON (WTVB) - Once again State Police initiated a large scale search for the body of Venus Stewart and once again they came up empty. Yesterday, they found bones, which they suspect belonged to an animal. They even found a gun abandoned along a rural roadway in St. Joseph County, but they didn’t find any trace of the Bronson high school graduate.

They found a few spots that may need further investigation, and they have eliminated a lot of other locations. Her estranged husband Doug Stewart remains jailed on four million dollars bond, scheduled to go on trial later this fall whether they find her body or not.

My prayers continue for the searchers.  I hope they find her body -- first for her family and second to put the nails in the coffin of this POS.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/mich-1380666-county-newschannel.html
(video)
Holding out hope of finding Venus
August 24, 2010



KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Volunteers are not giving hope that they'll find the body of a missing St. Joseph County mother.

On Tuesday another search was organized for Venus Stewart. This time the search was in Kalamazoo County.

The group involved in Tuesday's search was not made up of law enforcement, instead about ten volunteers headed into the thick brush. It was the second time a volunteer search team went to the spot near Scotts in Kalamazoo County.

Organizer Denny Olson says a property owner there requested they take a look after noticing a gate had been removed.

Olson says the site at 29th and QR Avenue are familiar to Douglas Stewart, Venus' estranged husband who is charged in her death.

“We'll probably search again in October when the leaves start to fall,” said Olson. “At this point we are talking about bringing in scuba divers to search the pond.”

State Police and other law enforcement teams have conducted numerous searches on property in St. Joseph County and southern Kalamazoo County. So far neither volunteers nor police have found anything.

Doug Stewart is scheduled to go on trial in early November.

COMMENTS

 marilyn60

6:45 PM on August 24, 2010

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iT'S HIS SISTERS PROPERTY-SHE RUNS A LOCAL DAY CARE ON THE CORNER THERE-
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acolddayinkazoo

3:48 AM on August 25, 2010

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The search yesterday was near his sisters property, not on her property
It was on land that Doug had hunted in the past and the property owner gave his permission for the searcher to search his land and then asked them to check it again and expand their search because of new information recieved
MSP have been in the neighborhood asking questions and talked to the sisters husband but have not searched her property that anyone knows of
There is another search scheduled next week for property off "R" Ave that Doug has history with too
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skain416

6:59 AM on August 25, 2010

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Can someone please tell me how waiting until the leaves start falling will help with this search? Not being smart, just asking...seems once they are on the ground covering things it would be more difficult...
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tellmeitisntso

9:45 AM on August 25, 2010

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Let me try and explain.
It was four months ago tomorrow on April 26th that Venus disappeared from her parents home.
At the time the ground was dry, little brush and foliage and this entire area was under a fire warning.
A body could be buried and then have dead leaves and brush thrown on top of it to cover it and it would be easier to find.
Since then we have recorded record rainfalls and we now may have 6" to 3' of water standing there.
Along with rain, heat and humidity comes major growth and what was bare 4 months ago can now have plants 4 feet high and higher.
Where you could see 50 feet before, now your lucky if you can see 3 feet.
When the leaves die off we will be able to get thru the woods better and see further, but then we have the added danger of turkey and deer hunters. But then the hunters become the extra eyes that we need in the woods to help locate Venus.
Several hunters have found missing people over the years including Andre Bossey here in Michigan.

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/community/colon/x1258726237/Officials-cover-two-areas-in-search-for-Venus-Stewart
Officials cover two areas in search for Venus Stewart
September 9, 2010
(Photos at link)
Colon, Mich. —

Yet another origanized search by area law enforcement failed to turn up the remains of Venus Stewart Thursday.
Venus, a mother of two, has been missing since April and is presumed dead.
(snip)

Several areas of interest were marked and will be further investigated.
(snip)

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/09/michigan_state_police_seek_pub.htm
Michigan State Police seek public's help in search for Venus Stewart
September 14, 2010

COLON TOWNSHIP — As hunting season and the fall harvest get under way, Michigan State Police investigators are asking hunters and farmers to be on the lookout for clues that may help them find Venus Stewart.

Stewart, a 32-year-old mother of two, has been missing since April 26 and four large-scale searches for her by police have been unsuccessful. Police have said they are convinced Stewart is dead and her estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, has been charged with murdering her.
In a statement released Tuesday, police ask “farmers currently working the fields and hunters who will soon be in the woods and fields” to keep an eye out for areas of disturbed earth that are suspicious and could have been dug “some time within the past four to five months.”

Police also asked people to keep an eye out for specific items of evidence related to the case, including: a gray T-shirt; pajama bottoms; Croc shoes; male swimming trunks; a male pullover-style shirt with long sleeves and a collar; a long-handled shovel; a camouflage-colored baseball hat; a blue-colored tarp; and gloves.

Douglas Stewart, 29, is charged with open murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in connection with his wife’s slaying. He is being held in the St. Joseph County Jail on $4 million bond and is scheduled to stand trial Nov. 1 in St. Joseph County Circuit Court.

Police ask anyone who may have information about the case to call the state police post in White Pigeon at 269-483-7611 or the Regional Dispatch Center in Rockford at 1-866-866-6666.

Thanks Muffy for the updates.
I continue to pray Venus is recovered . . . it's so important to her family.

Well, if we were allowed to use torture methods.....she'd have been located a long time ago, but I suppose that wouldn't be prudent :roll:

That's the problem . . . it would be too prudent . . . I believe firmly in victim's rights first!!!

Gale St. John is at it again:  http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/09/psychic_takes_up_case_of_wife.html

Looking for help in finding Venus Stewart
Comments 0

September 29, 2010 5:19 PM
WEST MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A group searching for a missing West Michigan mother is asking hunters for help.

Friends of Venus Stewart posted fliers on Wednesday in the Fulton State Game Area. Deer season starts Friday, and the group, along with Michigan State Police, want all hunters to keep an eye out for any signs of Stewart.

Stewart went missing in April from her parents' home in Colon Township.

While investigators have not found her body, prosecutors have charged her estranged husband, Doug Stewart, with her murder.

He's scheduled to go to trial on November 1st.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/finding-1382123-venus-help.html

Thanks Nut for the update -- there are so many people who need to be found.  My heart aches for them.  But I believe in hope and I pray for courage for all.

10.22.10

COLON (WTVB) - The Doug Stewart Murder Trial will be pushed back. He is charged with the abduction and killing of his wife, who vanished last spring. Her body has not been found. It seems lawyers on both sides have some issues to work thru before they will be ready to present their cases to the jury.

At a pre-trial hearing yesterday, both handed motions to the judge introducing and challenging evidence. The Defense wants to tour the scene of the alleged abduction, and the judge wants to hold an evidentiary hearing on November 5th to determine if statements made by Venus before her abduction are admissible. It will all take time, apparently more than the initial trial date of November 1st. No new date has been set.
http://wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/oct/22/motions-presented-stewart-pre-trial-hearing/

more of the same here:
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/10/murder_trial_postponed_in_venu.html

Police ask hunters to be on the lookout for Venus Stewart's body

November 15, 2010 5:39 PM

MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – As firearms deer season gets underway, Michigan State Police want all hunters to help in a murder investigation.

Police want all eyes open for the body of Venus Stewart.

Anyone heading into the woods is asked to look for a gray t-shirt, pajama bottoms, and Croc-style shoes. That's what Venus had on when she was last seen.

Investigators think Venus' husband, Doug Stewart, kidnapped her from her parents' home in April, then killed her and buried her body.

Doug Stewart is currently in custody awaiting his trial.
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/venus-1383852-lookout-michigan.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/11/trial_in_venus_stewart_disappe.html
Trial in Venus Stewart disappearance to proceed after appeals court denies disqualification of St. Joseph County judge
November 26, 2010

LANSING — The Michigan Court of Appeals has denied a motion filed by the attorneys for Doug Stewart seeking to disqualify the judge from the case.

St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman had postponed proceedings pending a decision on the appeal.
The trial is now scheduled to begin in January, according to the court of appeals website.
Stewart, 29, is charged with felony murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the April 26 abduction and slaying of his estranged wife, Venus Stewart.

Venus Stewart, 32, is presumed dead but Michigan State Police investigators have not found her body.

In an order issued Wednesday, the court of appeals said a motion for leave to appeal filed Oct. 25 by Jeffrey M. Schroeder and Kymberly R. Schroeder “is denied for lack of merit in the grounds presented.”

The Schroeders had filed their appeal seeking the disqualification of St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman from presiding over the case.

The appeal followed a motion they filed in September that was denied by Stutesman. Van Buren County Circuit Judge Paul Hamre, who was asked to review the motion, also denied it.

Stewart’s attorneys alleged that Stutesman provided assistance to St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough “in an effort to help the prosecution improve its case over the defense.”

The defense lawyers say they overhead a conversation between Stutesman and McDonough in which they claim the two discussed specifics of the case and that Stutesman also gave advice to McDonough.

Meanwhile, Doug Stewart remains in the St. Joseph County Jail on a $4 million cash/surety bond. Police allege he abducted Venus Stewart from her parents’ Colon Township home, killed her and disposed of her body.

Stewart faces up to life in prison on each felony count.

http://wtvbam.com/news/articles/2010/nov/27/doug-stewart-trial-one-step-closer/
Doug Stewart Trial One Step Closer
November 27, 2010

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) - One of the obstacles to bringing suspected murderer Doug Stewart to trial has been removed by the Michigan Court of Appeals. They denied a motion from Stewart's attorney that Judge Paul Stutesman be disqualified because of an alleged conversation he had with the prosecutor over the case that showed bias. The three-judge panel ruled the motion had no merit. Unless the defense comes up with some other motions or appeals this ruling, the trial is set to take place in January.

Stewart is charged with coming up with an elaborate scheme to kidnap and murder his estranged wife, Venus, after she charged him with molesting their daughter. The Bronson High School graduate vanished in April. The murder plot unraveled after that, and even though they have never found her body, the prosecutor has moved forward with the charges.

I pray by trial time, she has been found.

http://www.thedailyreporter.com/state_news/x1790519811/Stewart-trial-could-begin-in-Jan
Stewart trial could begin in Jan.
Defense request denied

December 4, 2010

Centreville, Mich. —

A trial for Douglas Stewart could be rescheduled for as soon as January now that the Michigan Court of Appeals has rejected an application for a hearing by Stewart’s attorneys.

In an order issued Wednesday in Lansing, the Court of Appeals denied a motion by attorneys Jeffrey Schroeder and Kymberly Schroeder for “lack of merit in the grounds presented.”

On Oct. 25, the Schroeders filed a motion for leave to appeal, seeking the disqualification of St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman from the case.

http://www.wlkm.com/?p=17295
Search continues for missing woman
December 13, 2010

An aerial search for evidence of Venus Stewart was conducted last Wednesday, but investigators gained no new leads or information about the missing Colon Township woman.

State Police Lt. Mike Risko, commander of the White Pigeon post, said it was hoped that the lack of foliage on trees would have benefited FBI investigators conducting the aerial search, which was conducted from a helicopter over the northeast quadrant of St.. Joseph County.

Investigators earlier this year staged a number of searches on foot in wooded areas in Colon, Leonidas and Wakeshma townships. Despite the lack of any evidence, Stewart’s estranged husband, Douglas Stewart, is being charged with murder in connection with Venus Stewart’s April disappearance from her parents’ Colon Township residence.

Thank you for these updates Muffy. 

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/12/st_joseph_county_prosecutor_ha.html
St. Joseph County Prosecutor hands out 'Mike Scott Investigator of the Year' award to Venus Stewart team
December 23, 2010

CENTREVILLE — The second annual "Mike Scott Investigator of the Year" award was presented recently by St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough.

The recipient was a six-member team of Michigan State Police detectives honored for their work on the missing-person case involving Venus Stewart.

McDonough created the award in honor of the soon-to-retire Mike Scott, from the Michigan State Police post at White Pigeon.

Scott was one of the six detectives who were honored by McDonough and the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners.

The other recipients were from Paw Paw, Coldwater and Fifth District headquarters.

Scott was the inaugural recipient in August 2009.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/12/kalamazoo_gazette_2010_top_sto_6.html
Kalamazoo Gazette 2010 top stories: Venus Stewart presumed dead; husband charged with murder
December 24, 2010

The Kalamazoo area's top stories of 2010

Venus Stewart is presumed dead.

Investigators have not found her body.

But in January, Doug Stewart is scheduled to go on trial in connection with the April 26 abduction and slaying of his estranged wife.

Police allege he abducted Venus Stewart, 32, from her parents’ Colon Township home in St. Joseph County, killed her and disposed of her body.

The case has generated dozens of tips.

Police have conducted several large-scale searches for the body of Venus Stewart.
Stewart.jpgVenus Stewart

A psychic from Indiana traveled to the Colon Township home from which Venus disappeared.

Others psychics have contacted investigators with “visions, feelings and dreams” about where Venus Stewart might be.

The results have been the same: Her body has not been found.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/12/grandparents_try_and_keep_upbe.html
Venus Stewart's young daughters miss their mother, try for normal Christmas
December 24, 2010

COLON — Six-year-old Brooke remembers that the special star crowning her grandparents’ Christmas tree once belonged to her mother.

Rachel, who recently turned 4, has less vivid memories of the Christmas 2009 she celebrated with her sister and parents.

This year, the girls will bake cookies and tear through wrapping paper on Christmas morning without their parents.

Their mother, Venus Stewart, has been missing and presumed dead since she vanished outside her parents’ home in rural Colon on April 26. Their father, Doug Stewart, will spend Christmas in a St. Joseph County Jail cell, charged with murdering his wife, the girls’ mother, an allegation he denies.

Despite searches by law enforcement, civilian volunteers and even a psychic, no trace of the 32-year-old missing mother has turned up.

For Therese and Larry McComb, Christmas culminates eight months of holidays they say they’ve struggled through without Venus, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy and upbeat cheer for the granddaughters they’re now raising.

Larry McComb says his wife still cries daily when something sparks a vivid memory of Venus, who he describes as Therese’s daughter, “and her best friend.”

“All we can do is try to keep an upbeat spirit for the girls and that’s hard to do,” McComb said. “The holidays hit hard. We really don’t have a special tradition. They’ll bake Christmas cookies and we decorated the tree. We’re just trying to have the girls have a regular, stable life.”

Adorning the tree did rekindle memories of happier times for Therese and granddaughter Brooke.

“Every year Venus would get a special ornament for the tree that meant something to her,” McComb said. “The star that went up on the top of the tree had belonged to Venus.”
Legal maneuvering through a series of defense motions to disqualify the presiding judge and challenge alleged hearsay testimony from a host of prosecution witnesses has pushed Doug Stewart’s trial into next year.
McComb said the girls have not seen their father or Stewart’s family members since Venus disappeared from the front yard of the McComb’s home in April. Brooke and Rachel have not requested a meeting and Doug Stewart’s family has made no overture, he said.

Stewart’s daughters know their father has been charged with murdering their mother, McComb said.

“No matter what they do to Doug, it’s not going to fix it for these girls,” McComb said.

Still, ties remain.

“Brooke knows. She still loves her Dad,” McComb said.

But the girls long for their mother.

“Brookie is affected the most,” McComb said. “It’s just lately that she will give my wife a kiss. Kisses were for her Mom.

“They know their mom is up with the angels. But they don’t understand why she can’t come back.”

 ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/01/arguments_to_be_heard_in_venus.html
Judge to decide whether testimony will be allowed at Venus Stewart murder trial
January 12, 2011

CENTREVILLE — A St. Joseph County Circuit judge will hear arguments this week on whether certain testimony will be allowed during an upcoming murder trial.

Seven potential witnesses expected to testify that Venus Stewart allegedly told them she feared her husband would kill her could take the stand Thursday at a hearing to determine whether their testimony may be introduced in the upcoming murder trial of Douglas Stewart, the missing woman’s husband.

Stewart is charged with murdering his 32-year-old wife, who has been missing since she vanished outside her parents’ rural-Colon home on April 26. Investigators say they believe that she is dead.

Prosecutors say that Douglas Stewart came to Michigan to abduct and murder his wife, lining up another man to impersonate him and give him an alibi in Newport News, Va., at the time of the crime.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said that Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman will hear arguments from the prosecution and defense on Thursday to determine whether certain testimony can be admitted at trial.
Venus Stewart mugCourtesy PhotoVenus Stewart

Douglas Stewart’s defense attorneys argue the testimony is hearsay because it comes second-hand, through people recollecting what they say they were told by Venus Stewart before she disappeared.

Prosecutors will argue the testimony is the way Venus Stewart’s words can be admitted since she is presumed dead and is unable to provide her first-person account.

Meanwhile, Michigan State Police Detective Michael Scott, the lead investigator in the case, said investigators have no new leads in their quest to locate Venus Stewart’s body.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/01/judge_closes_pre-trial_hearing.html
Judge closes pre-trial hearing in Venus Stewart murder case
January 13, 2011

Today's court hearing to determine the admissibility of alleged hearsay evidence in the Venus Stewart murder trial is closed to the public.
 
St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman issued the order from the bench this morning after prosecutors and defense attorneys for defendant Douglas Stewart met in Stutesman's chambers before what was expected to be a day-long questioning of at least seven potential witnesses.
 
At issue is whether statements reportedly made to others by missing-and-presumed-dead Venus Stewart, alleging her fear that her husband Douglas would kill her, can be admitted in Douglas Stewart's upcoming murder trial.
 
Stutesman said he was ordering the testimony to be given behind closed doors "in the interest of justice," saying making public now statements that may or may not be allowed at trial could "interfere with the administration of justice."
 
The defense is arguing that the testimony about what Venus Stewart allegedly said to other people amounts to hearsay.

Prosecutors are expected to say that the testimony should be admitted under an exception because the speaker is dead.
 
A copy of Stutesman's written order was not immediately available and it was unclear this morning whether the hearing behind closed doors was requested by the prosecution or the defense.
 
At the conclusion of the testimony in chambers, Stutesman is expected to rule later today on a defense motion regarding bond for the defendant and possibly set a trial date.
 
Venus Stewart disappeared from outside her parents' Colon home in April where she had been living briefly after leaving the Stewarts' Virginia home with the couple's two daughters.
 
Douglas Stewart has denied any role in his wife's disappearance, saying he was in Virginia at the time of her abduction and presumed murder. However, police investigators have turned up evidence that Douglas Stewart was in Michigan at the time and located a Delaware man who admitted to authorities that he impersonated Stewart in Virginia when the incident occurred.
 
Numerous searches by law enforcement, citizen groups and even a psychic have failed to turn up any trace of the missing woman.
 
Meanwhile, the couple's two daughters remain with Venus Stewart's parents who were both called to testify at Thursday's closed-door court preceding.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/01/judge_paul_stutesman_sets_feb.html
Judge Paul Stutesman sets Feb. 18 start date for murder trial in Venus Stewart case during closed pre-trial proceedings
January 14, 2011

CENTREVILLE — St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman has set a Feb. 18 start date for the murder trial of Douglas Stewart, charged with abducting and killing his estranged wife, Venus Stewart.

But attorneys for both sides won't know until Jan. 28 whether the judge will allow testimony from at least seven potential witnesses the prosecution wants to question about statements Venus Stewart allegedly made to friends and relatives about fearing her estranged husband.

In other action Thursday, Judge Stutesman denied a defense motion that requested Stewart be released on a personal recognizance bond because it has been more than 180 days since he was arrested in the case. Stewart is now in the St. Joseph County Jail on a $4 million bond.

A cadre of Venus Stewart's friends and relatives populated the gallery of the circuit courtroom early Thursday, wearing shades of purple, armbands that said "Where's Venus?" and pins featuring purple ribbons with her name.

Meanwhile, the witnesses, including Venus Stewart's mother, stepfather and grandfather, were sequestered in another part of the courthouse, waiting their turn to appear at the closed hearing.

Therese McComb, Venus Stewart's mother, left the hearing room after her testimony, wiping away tears and telling friends she had been able to "look Doug in the eye."

The defendant, shackled and dressed in jail garb, was present for the closed-door testimony.

Meanwhile, defense attorneys Jeffrey and Kimberly Schroder, of Portage, argued unsuccessfully for Stewart's release prior to trial Thursday. They said court rules allow for a personal recognizance bond in felony cases where the accused has been incarcerated for more than 180 days.

But prosecutors countered, saying the 205 days Stewart has been in jail is largely the result of appeals and pretrial motions by the defense that pushed back the trial that was originally scheduled to begin Nov. 1.

Stutesman took the unusual step of excluding the public and press while he heard testimony Thursday from at least seven potential witnesses challenged by the defense on grounds that the testimony would be hearsay. Stutesman said opening the testimony, which may or may not be admitted at trial, to the public now could taint the criminal preceding.

Attorneys on both sides have a week to submit briefs on the admissibility of statements Venus Stewart allegedly made about her relationship with her husband to those witnesses before she disappeared. Stutesman is expected to rule Jan. 28 on whether that testimony can be admitted at trial.

Venus Stewart disappeared without a trace from outside her parents' Colon home in April where she had been living briefly after leaving the Stewarts' Virginia home with the couple's two daughters.

Douglas Stewart has denied any role in his wife's disappearance, saying he was in Virginia at the time of her abduction and presumed murder. However, police investigators say they have evidence that Douglas Stewart was in Michigan at the time.

Numerous searches by law enforcement, citizen groups and even a psychic have failed to turn up Venus Stewart’s body.

Venus Stewart's parents have custody of the couple's two young daughters.

Meanwhile, court records examined Thursday showed Stutesman's staff returned a Dec. 27 letter that Douglas Stewart wrote to the judge, calling the communication, "improper."

"This letter has been forwarded to your attorney and the prosecutor to advise them of your attempt to contact Judge Stutesman concerning your case," Anita Buscher, judicial secretary, said in a letter sent to Stewart at the St. Joseph County Jail.

The court file contained neither a copy of Stewart's letter to the judge nor information on what it said.

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/news/police_and_fire/x1334353983/Stewart-trial-set-for-Feb-18
Stewart trial set for Feb. 18
January 14, 2011

Centreville, Mich. —

The murder trial of Douglas Stewart is scheduled to begin Feb. 18.
Stewart, 29, is charged with murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder.
He is the estranged husband of Venus Stewart, who disappeared from the Colon Township home of her parents April 26, 2010. She is presumed dead, and her body has not been found.
St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman announced the trial date Thursday afternoon following a motion hearing in his chambers that took most of the day.
 Stewart, wearing leg chains, handcuffs and green, striped prison clothes, was in the courtroom with his attorneys.
Prosecutor John McDonough, assistant Erin Hahn and State Police Det. Mike Scott were also present. 
Defense attorney Jeffrey Schroder had requested  that Stewart be released on a personal recognizance bond because he had spent 205 days in jail. Most cases are supposed to go to trial within 180 days.
Schroder said his client was willing to wear a leg monitor to assure his whereabouts.
Stutesman denied the request. He said a lot of time was spent on appeals in recent months, including an interlocutory appeal filed by the Schroders.
The interlocutory appeal was  filed by the Jeffrey and Kimberly  Schroder to have Stutesman removed as presiding judge. It was later denied  by the state Court of Appeals.
Had that motion not been filed, the trial would have started Oct. 29.
“I don’t see where we’re up to  the 180 days,” Stutesman said.
“Those periods of delay by your attorneys are not included in your time served,” Stutesman told Stewart. “You still have enough time left before the trial begins.”
The motion hearing in Stutesman’s chambers was off-limits to the media.
At the hearing, Stutesman reportedly listened to testimony of seven or eight witnesses, including Venus Stewart’s parents, to determine potential hearsay. He also responded to questions about evidence and set the trial date.
Stutesman said the next motion hearing will be held  at 4 p.m. Jan. 28 in his courtroom. He expects to announce his decisions on hearsay evidence that day.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Feb. 18. Once a jury is seated, the trial is expected to last two to three weeks.
Relatives and friends of Venus , including her great-grandparents, sat in the courtroom Thursday morning. One woman from Homer, known as Venus’ Aunt Mary, brought a small, plastic bag of buttons inscribed with the name Venus on a purple ribbon to share with friends.
Venus Stewart leaves behind two children, ages 6 and 4, who remain in the custody of Venus’ parents.
 

http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/Judge_close_to_setting_trial_date_for_Venus_Stewart_case_113820499.html
Judge close to setting trial date for Venus Stewart case
Colon, Mich.
A judge is close to setting a trial date for the Michigan man accused of kidnapping and killing his estranged wife last spring.
January 15, 2011

A judge is close to setting a trial date for the Michigan man accused of kidnapping and killing his estranged wife last spring.

According to WTVB radio, a judge heard testimony this week in the death of Venus Stewart, 32.

Stewart was last seen in April leaving her parents' Colon home. Her husband Doug Stewart, 29, was later charged with her abduction and murder.

Stewart's trial has been delayed as the defense sought a new judge and bond. Now a judge has to determine whether or not to hear testimony from witnesses.

The trial should start February 18 and the judge will make a decision on the 28th of this month, whether to allow witness testimony.

The judge continued to deny bond to Stewart.

After nearly ten months, Venus's body has still not been found.

Although Venus Stewart's body has not been found, Doug Stewart's trial is underway for the murder of Venus Stewart and is being streamed live at this link: http://www.woodtv.com/subindex/video/live_video

http://www.helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21496&page=12

NG Transcript
• Rural Michigan Mother Missing
March 04, 2011

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1103/04/ng.02.html

Thanks for the update Nut.  I had hoped Venus's remains would be found prior to trial, but it looks like that was not to be. Having a body or remains can make a case stronger, but I think there may be enough other evidence to at least keep Douglas Stewart and those that helped him behind bars for a while. And there's always hope Venus's remains can still be found.   I'm hoping for justice for Venus and her little children and her parents. 

Absolutely Muffy!

Doug Stewart guilty of murdering Venus Stewart   ::MonkeyJustice:: 
Published: Friday, March 11, 2011

The jury in the Doug Stewart trial weighed the evidence they were given in the case for about four hours before its foreman stood and delivered the verdict Friday.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 18.

Doug Stewart faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

snip
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/03/doug_stewart_of_murdering_venu.html

Now.........where is she Doug!!???  ::MonkeyMad::

Whoopieeee!  Justice was swift for this family.  I just wish they could bring her home so her children have a place to go to remember their Mommy.  So sad.

Amen melisb Amen!

Updated: 6:36 AM Apr 18, 2011

Southwest Michigan man faces sentencing for murder

Family members hope a convicted killer in southwest Michigan will finally break his silence.

A jury found 29-year-old Douglas Stewart guilty of pre-mediated murder and conspiracy to commit murder last month for the presumed death of his estranged wife. Monday, he'll be sentenced for the charges.

 ::snipping2::
http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/Douglas_Stewart_faces_sentencing_for_murder_120049584.html

IMO he will never tell/admit. I'll also take a guess he'll get a sentence of MAX 25 yrs. Probably 15-20...serve about 8.

Nut, I hope you are mistaken, but I have a feeling you're correct.  Hopefully the children can be permanently kept away from this POS.

Nut, you've watched these trials much longer than I.  If you were a family member and had the chance of bringing your loved one home for a proper burial, would you be in favor of a lesser sentence?  I've tried to put myself in the families' place, and feel very conflicted about this.  But then I guess my belief system plays a large part in my outlook.  Just curious what you think.

http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/Southwest_Michigan_man_to_spend_life_behind_bars_for_murder.html

Updated: 5:57 AM Apr 19, 2011

Southwest Michigan man to spend life behind bars for murder
St. Joseph County, Mich.

 ::snipping2::

A jury found 29-year-old Douglas Stewart guilty of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder last month for the presumed death of his estranged wife. Now, he's been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the crime.

Thirty-two-year-old mother-of-two Venus Stewart was last seen about a year ago, on the morning of April 26, 2010, leaving her parents' Colon Township home in her pajamas. Her body has never been found.

The prosecution and police believe Doug conspired with a college student to commit the crime.

According to our partners at WOOD-TV, Stewart briefly spoke at his sentencing Monday, saying he's innocent and that authorities should continue to look for Venus.

--------------------------

 ::MonkeyJustice::

Thank you for this wonderful update, grace-land, yeah for Justice!

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/04/hundreds_gather_to_remember_ve.html
Hundreds gather to remember Venus Stewart on anniversary of her disappearance
April 27, 2011

CENTREVILLE — Venus Stewart was remembered Tuesday as a strong woman and affectionate mother whose legacy will live on in many ways, primarily through her two young daughters.

Pastor Don Smith told a crowd of about 300 people during a memorial service Tuesday that Stewart was someone who inspired those who knew her to be great.
 ::snipping2::
The public event was staged on the same date that she was last seen and was presumably killed by her estranged husband, Doug Stewart, in 2010. Though Venus Stewart’s body has not been found, Doug Stewart, 30, was found guilty of murder earlier this year and last week was sentenced to life in prison.

“April 26 will never be behind us, no matter how many times it comes and goes on the calendar,” said Venus Stewart’s father, Larry McComb, who with his wife, Therese, have custody of the Stewart’s daughters, Brooke, 6, and Rachael, 4. “It never gets better.”
More...

I can't say for sure because I have never been in the position, but I guess I'd say not for a 'chance' ... I would have to know for sure that it is a done deal first. Show me the body first, then you get your reduced sentence.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/04/human_skeletal_remains_found_i.html (http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/04/human_skeletal_remains_found_i.html)

Maybe about 35 miles is all... It's probably not her - but it's too close not to mention...



COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP — The skeletal remains of a female were found in Comstock Township Thursday evening.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office recovered the remains in the 8400 block of East ML Avenue in Comstock Township, according to a press release issued Saturday morning.

The police said in the press release the identity is not known.

Undersheriff Paul Matyas said Saturday afternoon officials waited to release the information because "we wanted to complete our crime scene uninterrupted." Matyas said the remains will be sent to a forensic anthropologist.
 ::snipping2::
Edit to snip article. (We can now only post the link and partial article.  Thanks- MB

Thanks for bringing the article ka8lhi.  I hope Venus's remains can be found, and even though this body was found 35 miles away, it's possible it could be her. 

I was reading about the Comstock remains this morning and wondered...
It certainly is possible.

I am highlighting an interesting part of this new article...

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Families-wonder-about-Kzoo-Co-remains


snipped...

Stewart was 32 when she vanished in April 2010 from St. Joseph County. Her estranged husband, Doug Stewart, was convicted for her murder and is currently serving a life sentence.

Stewart's family said Doug's sister lives in the general area where the remains were found.

Thank you ka8lhi.  I hope Venus's remains will be recovered so her family can bury her. 

Amen MuffyBee and thanks ka8lhi for the updates.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/06/homicide_cause_of_death_of_uni.html (http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/06/homicide_cause_of_death_of_uni.html)


 ::snipping2::

They have determined that the remains are not those of Tammie Briley, Mary Lands or Venus Stewart, three local women who are missing.

 ::snipping2::

Thank you for the update ka8lhi.  The remains are not those of three local women who are missing (including Venus); that means there will be another family and/or friends that will get the news of a death.  Sad.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  I hope Venus Stewart's remains can be found and she can be laid to rest.  It must be so hard for her parents, and of course the small children that were left without a mother, not to mention how horrible it was their own father that murdered her.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  I'd like to add I hope Tammie and Mary are found too.   ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/features/x1425872967/Sentencing-set-for-accomplice
Sentencing set for accomplice
June 17, 2011

Centreville, Mich. —

Ricky Spencer, a 20-year-old man from Bear, Del., who confessed to being an accomplice to convicted murderer Douglas Stewart, will be sentenced July 22 in St. Joseph County Circuit Court  in Centreville.

Spencer was accompanied Wednesday by his parents, Richard and Donna Spencer, when he appeared before  District Court Judge William Welty. With his attorney, Saagar Shah, at his side, Spencer pleaded no contest to conspiring to commit homicide/manslaughter.

Bond was set at $30,000, and Spencer was allowed to return home.
After his appearance in District Court, Spencer was immediately arraigned by Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman.
 ::snipping2::
Spencer will serve no more than one year in the St. Joseph County jail.

It was Spencer’s testimony about impersonating Douglas Stewart that helped bring a murder conviction in March. He agreed to cooperate with Michigan State Police after police traced his whereabouts to Delaware. Spencer remained at Stewart’s apartment in Newport News, Va., while Stewart drove to Michigan.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/06/ricky_spencer_accomplice_in_sl.html
Ricky Spencer, accomplice in slaying, abduction of Venus Stewart, pleads no contest to felony manslaughter charge
June 17, 2011

 ::snipping2::
Ricky Spencer, 21, of Bear, Del., entered the plea to conspiracy to commit manslaughter in front of St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman, a circuit court official said. The felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Under terms of a plea agreement, St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough is recommending that Spencer serve no more than one year in the St. Joseph County Jail. Spencer, who is free on bond, is scheduled to be sentenced by Stutesman on July 22.
Spencer testified during Doug Stewart's trial that he acted as Stewart's impostor and alibi in Newport News, Va., where Stewart resided, and stayed at Stewart's apartment while Stewart traveled to Michigan to abduct and kill Venus Stewart, 32, in April 2010.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/07/dateline_nbc_to_air_story_abou.html

'Dateline NBC' to air story about Venus Stewart murder case
Published: Wednesday, July 06, 2011, 6:25 PM     Updated: Thursday, July 07, 2011, 7:26 PM
By Rex Hall Jr. | Kalamazoo Gazette The Kalamazoo Gazette

 ::snipping2::

The television program "Dateline NBC" plans to air its story about the Venus Stewart case on Friday, July 15, according to a producer with the show.

The program is scheduled to run from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., immediately after a 90-minute finale of the show "Friday Night Lights."

A crew from the program covered the trial earlier this year that ended in the conviction of Stewart's husband, Doug Stewart, for first-degree murder.

 ::snipping2::

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/07/dateline-features-case-newport-news-man-wife
'Dateline' features case of Newport News man, wife
July 15, 2011

The case of a former Newport News man sentenced to life in prison in his wife’s killing last year will be featured on NBCs “Dateline” show tonight.
 ::snipping2::
Dateline airs tonight at 9:30 p.m. on WAVY-TV.

Did anyone watch this?  I'm so hesitant about these programs now after Caylee's unfair trial results.

I did Sister and I do believe it was accurate I learned a little more about the guy who helped him.  Informative and pretty good, catch online if you have time.  I was sending you "mind email" not a day ago!  I was thinking we all could use one of your wonderful prayers on the Caylee thread cause we are so full with the feeling of injustice toward Caylee.  Just needed a word to keep me balanced and I just thought what you would say and it helped me a great deal.  I don't know you, but I do, and you are a calming presence and so good spreading the word.  Thank you and God Bless you and the family always!

melisb, thank you for such kind words.  Having a few struggles of my own right now, leaving this morning for a third surgery, ovarian cancer keeps on coming.  All will be fine, that I know.
Just remember Caylee is safe, happy, and in a place filled with love.  momster will be judged, of that I am sure.

Sister, I'm so very sorry but I do know you are in the best hands possible!  Wish I was there to lend a hand at least cook a meal, do a little laundry, just support in however you would need it!  You are in my thoughts and prayers!  Email hugs and love sent to you and your family!

this jury got it right..even though Venus' body has not been found yet..the jurors used common sense to put this killer behind bars..

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-missingwife-sente,0,4179611.story


Man sentenced in abduction, death of Venus Stewart

Associated Press

11:35 a.m. CDT, July 22, 2011
CENTREVILLE, Mich.—
A man accused of being the accomplice in the abduction and slaying of a 32-year-old Michigan woman has been sentenced to a year in jail and three years' probation.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Friday that St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman announced Ricky Spencer's sentence in Centreville, 72 miles south of Grand Rapids.

more at link

http://www.fox17online.com/news/landing/fox17-venus-stewart,0,7373522.story

Doug Stewart Found Guilty of Killing Wife

Snip...

 ::justice2NJ::  Thank you for the update seahorse!!   I sometimes still think of Venus when I walk out in the morning to my mailbox or to pick up my newspaper.  She was doing something as innocent as that when Doug Stewart abducted and then murdered her.  How terrible for her parents and her children who were right there in the house when he got her.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  The children are growing up without their mother and their father murdered her.  I really feel for Venus's family and kids. 

Hi Muffy,

You are welcome. 

Yes, it hurts to see anyone killed, but this case is so painful.  Doug would not have pulled this off without
his accomplice, this is what unsettles me.  Venus should still be living, if this second person, reported Doug’s plan, to the police. The accomplice only received a sentence of a year, (in the County jail), and the parents have a live-time sentence of grieve.

In addition, as you mentioned the kiddies, have no mom for mother’s day, or any day. 

Searches are still going on looking for her body, within the five-mile radius of the cell phone pings, according to in sessions
On TV.

DS bought bags of Peat Moss, farmers use this material (when burying a horse) to keep critters away. I am sorry but Insessions
does not have a link, well, they do have a link, but no current information.  I watched the Trial off and on, but was surprisely pleased with the verdict, but still not happy with the accomplices one year in jail.

http://www.facebook.com/InSession

In Session
Ricky Spencer testified about how he helped Doug Stewart carry out his murder plot against Venus. His sentencing is up next. What do you think his sentence should be?

Like · Comment · 8 minutes ago via HootSuite ·

Muffers,

RS is the accomplice, I am sure you know that, just I forgot his name earlier.

Kalamazoo News 

Ricky Spencer sentenced to 1 year in jail for role in Venus Stewart's murder, snip... ::MonkeyNoNo::


http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/07/ricky_spencer_sentenced_to_1_y.html

That's just wrong, imo.    ::MonkeyNoNo::

Good morning Monkey's,

Muffy,

It is wrong, but for the Prosecuter to make his case he needed Spencer, to put the pieces of the puzzler together:(

A Half a loaf is better than none, I guess.  We just need a half a justice sign. 

Oh,Venus was lured out of the house by DS, he called, and impostered a carrier, that he had a package for her.
I recall that was a curiosity on why Venus went so early to the mailbox the morning of her disappearance.

The Pete Moss, I find interesting, it is good to keep Kitties out of the yard, or so I read, I like cats, just my dog doesn't.:)

 ::MonkeyShocked::

.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/buying-1388062-tools-murder.html

Prosecutors claim video shows Stewart buying tools used to cover up murder
March 03, 2011 5:07 PM

 ::snipping2::

Cashier, snip, said the man's clothing really stood out. She said he asked her for help finding five or six things.

“The first thing I think he asked for was lime,” said Stiffler.

When prosecutors asked Stiffler if she saw that man in court, she became visibly shaken.

“I remember his eyes more than anything else,” said Stiffler

 ::MonkeyEek::


Muffy, Perhaps it was LIME, and not Pete Moss, sorry. 

MDOC Number: 809174
SID Number: 1255938P
Name: RICHARD NORMAN SPENCER
Racial Identification: White
Gender: Male
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Date of Birth: 07/07/1989 (22)

MDOC STATUS
Current Status: Probationer
Supervision Begin Date: 07/22/2011
Assigned Location: St. Joseph/Centreville Probation
Supervision Discharge Date: 07/22/2014
Security Level:

ALIASES MARKS, SCARS & TATTOOS
RICHARD NORMAN SPENCER III
RICKY SPENCER
Scar- Left Face
Scar- Upper Lip

http://mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/venus-stewart-murder-4262010-colon-township-mi-husband-doug-stewart-convicted-sentenced-to-lwop-husbands-friend-ricky-spencer-pled-no-contest-as-accessory-sentenced-to-1-year-in-jail/

 ::MonkeyEek::

Color me confused.  He recieved a one year jail sentence and three years probation.  Is he out or is he in jail? TIA


 ::MonkeyEek::
https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/detailsAction.do?siteId=23005&agency=74&id=000087100&searchType=offender

Offender Name: RICHARD NORMAN SPENCER
Offender ID:000087100Date of Birth:07/07/1989Age: 22 Race: Gender: 
Custody Status: In Custody Location of Offender:St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/03/ricky_spencer_accomplice_in_ve_1.html
Ricky Spencer, accomplice in Venus Stewart slaying, released from jail
By Ursula Zerilli | uzerilli@mlive.com
Published March 11, 2012, Updated March 12, 2012

CENTERVILLE – Only eight months after his sentencing, Ricky Spencer, who was convicted for assisting in the slaying of Venus Stewart, was released from the St. Joseph County jail on Sunday.

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Deputies confirmed Spencer was released but could not give details as to why his stay was cut short, as Spencer was given a one-year sentence last July.

County prosecutor John McDonough declined to comment on the release.
 ::snipping2::
St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman followed a plea agreement that Spencer had previously struck in exchange for his testimony at Doug Stewart’s trial.

Spencer pleaded no contest in June 2011 to one count of conspiracy to commit manslaughter, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He was given a one-year sentence in July 2011.

Spencer was ordered to serve three years of probation after his release at his sentencing last year.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/sw_mich/doug-stewart-accomplice-out-of-jail
Doug Stewart accomplice out of jail
Ricky Spencer released Sunday
March 11, 2012

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - On the one-year anniversary of Doug Stewart’s conviction for murdering his wife, Stewart’s accomplice is a free man.

Ricky Spencer, the man who testified he pretended to be Doug Stewart in order to give his friend an alibi for the day of the murder, served eight months of a one-year sentence in county jail.

Family members received an email from the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network Sunday informing them Spencer was no longer behind bars.

St. Joseph County prosecutor John McDonough told 24 Hour News 8 the likely reason Spencer was released early is because county jail policy is to give inmates five days off their sentence for each month of good behavior. Spencer was also a jail trustee. Trustees can get more time off their sentence than regular inmates.
 ::snipping2::
Friends and family members of Venus Stewart describe the news as a “slap in the face.” 

When 24 Hour News 8 spoke with 
Venus Stewart’s aunt late last month, Mary Ellen Hopkins said, "You gotta be kidding me...I mean, he literally got away with murder."
 ::snipping2::

 ::rhino::


I wonder if VS Mom can sue the accomplice, in a Civil Court?   ::justice2NJ::

 ::justice2NJ:: ::monkeydenied::  :smt097

Case archive from the beginning:
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Venus%20Stewart%20%20-MI-/

Sub-album: Case archive for the trial and sentencing, and the the release of one of the murderers:
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Venus%20Stewart%20%20-MI-/Trial-%20Sentencing-%20Accomplice%20Info/

Doug Stewart Found Guilty of Killing Wife. Moving this.