Found Deceased MI - Venus Stewart, 32, Colon, 28 April 2010 - # 4 *D. Stewart guilty*

[mysticrose]

Near perfect crime? Based on what?

• Tire treads "generally" matching the Ram found near the abduction site.
• Dropped a tarp wrapper at the scene of the abduction.
• Matching vehicle seen in field with man crouching behind it.
• Stopped at WALMART (cams galore) to buy murder kit (including a tarp, the wrapper of which he left at crime scene) on the way to MI.
• Could not be located until "late night" on the day of the crime

The only things Doug Stewart has going FOR him are:

• No one saw Venus being abducted
• An alibi that is being rechecked by MSP

You may consider this a perfect crime, but I think he Gumped up most of it. He's just stone lucky that no one saw him take Venus.

Dont forget that the only night he has missed calling the children would be the day Venus disappeared (hink)

 

[BritsKate]

The police do not have to arrest someone to question them. They have tried to question him. He refuses to cooperate, per his attorney's advice.

If they arrested him, he would not answer questions. He would still refuse, per his attorney's advice.

I'm not sure what country you live in, but here in the U.S., it is common and allowed by law for a person to refuse to answer questions. There's a whole set of laws around it by which the police must comply.

Sorry if this has been addressed (not caught up on the whole thread yet)...

If the police make an arrest too soon they run the risk of a nolle prosequi, meaning the DA would be forced to drop charges.

As frustrating as it may be to those of us who seek justice rendered it would be irresponsible for any LE to make a premature arrest. Once a suspect is in custody the wheels of the court begin moving and the prosecuting agency must be confident they can make a case.

Bringing up the Laci Peterson case again to argue from the other side....they had a ton of circumstancial evidence very early on and I would wager Scott was on their radar long before a month's time. They waited to find a body prior to pursuing charges for one reason only - to make absolutely certain the case would stick.

Remember double jeopardy.

Responsible, competent LE is both unable and unwilling to make an arrest and hope all the pieces fit later. It's just too big of a gamble when talking possible murder.

Also, not to be argumentative...but every so often it keeps popping up that LE, the media, and even some of us are wrong for focusing their attention on DS so early.

It is entirely plausible he has nothing to do with Venus' abduction. However, in 2007 33% of female homicides were perpetrated by an intimate partner compared to just 7% of male homicides. I think we can garner from this forum those numbers are likely on the rise as well.

That is ONE THIRD of women killed by someone who said they loved them! At some point, common sense dictates if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it might just be a duck.

 

[Natal]

Dont forget that the only night he has missed calling the children would be the day Venus disappeared (hink)

That would be because LE was talking to him when he was supposed to be calling them. (un-hink)

 

[Cubby]

I agree. Venus Stewart went to Michigan with the children for one reason and one reason only. She felt that she could get a better deal from the courts there.

If Doug did kidnap her, I am concerned about his experience in transport as a truck driver. He would know how to transport her and given his experience in the food delivery industry, he could keep her on ice somewhere and then dispose of her.

The profile however for such cases is that the victim is usually disposed of locally when the killer travels great distances to the victim. It would be unusual for her to be transported out of state and disposed of in another location. I say that because of the heavy surveillance methods that most states use to regulate traffic.

If Doug wasn't involved in her disapperance, then this is local, and the investigation needs to start with the people that were the last to see her alive, as any other criminal investigation would.

BBM. Not necessarily so. At least not when it comes to the state which has jurisdiction over the divorce and custodial matters.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction And Enforcement Act prevents parents from jurisdiction shopping and clearly defines the home state which has jurisdiction over custodial matters.

http://law.justia.com/virginia/codes/toc2000000/toc20000000007000010000000.html

The above link is for the state of Virginia.


The above link for Michigan indicates they can have jurisdiction:
Sec. 204.
(1) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.


http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ju...g.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-722-1204


From the above information it appears - at least to my understanding - MI would only have temporary jurisdiction to address any defined emergencies, however VA would still have home jurisdiction. Especially if proceedings had been initiated in VA. VA would then have to make the determination if they retain jurisdiction of if laws are met allowing MI jurisdiction.

It's never as simple as 'jurisdiction shopping'.

 

[Cubby]

Hey all, nice forum thread on this topic. I have been following this case because of certain details that defy explanation and my curiousity is peaked.

Why didn't Venus Stewart petition the courts in Virginia for custody? Instead, she leaves Virginia without telling Douglas and takes the children with her. The courts really frown upon that because it is sort of like parental kidnapping, taking children out of state without the permission of the other parent, but that is pretty much a moot point now that she has disappeared.

Then when she gets to Virginia she does a hasty will--basically getting her affairs in order after she wins temporary custody from the family court judge in Michigan.

There is no doubt in my mind that she was cutting Douglas loose, and she planned it well in advance. Taking the kids to her mom's house in Michigan gave her the physical address she needed to petition the court for custody. By doing that it would be very tough for Douglas to defend against it.

To help lock down custody all she did was say he was molesting the children, which is really common for women to say such things in divorce proceedings because custody of the children is the number one goal because of child support and state assistance.

This is an interesting case because it does reflect the social atmosphere of many American marriages. Most folks work things out or use the process to sort it out, but every so often you get cases like this one where one parent will take the kids and move them out of state in a winner take all mindset.

Now, knowing she did the custody process and her will, is it possible that she disappeared on purpose? There are groups of women out there who help abused women disappear when they think they are in danger. I am not saying there is no possibility that Douglas did harm her, but frankly, I can't find any documentation proving that Douglas ever did harm her, and also no documentation which proves he molested his children.

It may just be nothing, but it appears like Venus was putting all the legal things in order, and then she just disappeared without a trace. That is very unusual to say the least, but the media is quick to blame the husband for it right away without looking at the facts and asking these types of questions.

I agree there are often unfounded accusations tossed out by BOTH parents in bitter custody disputes. While I haven't read each and every post in the threadds for this case, it was my initial impression BOTH in this case were bitter towards each other with regards to dealign with their divorce and custody of the children.

I'll have to disagree with certain points however. First, a spouse or significant other is ALWAYS looked at first by LE. That is an LE decision, not a media decision. While there are many groups out there to help a person hide and go underground it makes NO sense whatsoever that Venus would have chosen that route without her children. Now if she along with her children were abducted - going underground would be a feasible theory. I personally don't see her fleeing to go underground when she wanted custody, as with her gone their father would get custody over her parents. UNLESS it is proven he is a danger to his children.

 

[thinkaboutthis]

Sorry if this has been addressed (not caught up on the whole thread yet)...

If the police make an arrest too soon they run the risk of a nolle prosequi, meaning the DA would be forced to drop charges.

As frustrating as it may be to those of us who seek justice rendered it would be irresponsible for any LE to make a premature arrest. Once a suspect is in custody the wheels of the court begin moving and the prosecuting agency must be confident they can make a case.

Bringing up the Laci Peterson case again to argue from the other side....they had a ton of circumstancial evidence very early on and I would wager Scott was on their radar long before a month's time. They waited to find a body prior to pursuing charges for one reason only - to make absolutely certain the case would stick.

Remember double jeopardy.

Responsible, competent LE is both unable and unwilling to make an arrest and hope all the pieces fit later. It's just too big of a gamble when talking possible murder.

Also, not to be argumentative...but every so often it keeps popping up that LE, the media, and even some of us are wrong for focusing their attention on DS so early.

It is entirely plausible he has nothing to do with Venus' abduction. However, in 2007 33% of female homicides were perpetrated by an intimate partner compared to just 7% of male homicides. I think we can garner from this forum those numbers are likely on the rise as well.

That is ONE THIRD of women killed by someone who said they loved them! At some point, common sense dictates if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it might just be a duck.

I don't think anyone is disillusioned about the statistics. We all know the most obvious scenario is usually proven to be true. And while the statistics are stacked higher against men, there is still an albeit smaller but no less unstable faction of women out there contributing to the other side of the pie chart, so the possibility must be explored. I'm just glad to finally hear someone say it's at least plausible that he may not have done it. Statistics are great, but they only go so far and they only give you an idea of what to look for, in each individual case though, it's 50/50. Either he did this or he didn't.

I am very confident that MSP are doing their job and getting to the bottom of this.

There are only 2 things that people here should be cheerleading for.
#1. That whatever the situation may be, VS comes home alive. and
#2. The Truth is revealed.

 

[Blue_Dolphin308]

Do we know where the children are? I read somewhere where they are in hiding? Have we determined who put them in hiding, was it the grandparents? Or was it the police?

 

[BeanE]

That would be because LE was talking to him when he was supposed to be calling them. (un-hink)

I haven't seen that he was talking to LE at the time he was supposed to call his kids.

May I have a link for that please? I'd like to read about it.

 

[Kimberlyd125]

I don't think anyone is disillusioned about the statistics. We all know the most obvious scenario is usually proven to be true. And while the statistics are stacked higher against men, there is still an albeit smaller but no less unstable faction of women out there contributing to the other side of the pie chart, so the possibility must be explored. I'm just glad to finally hear someone say it's at least plausible that he may not have done it. Statistics are great, but they only go so far and they only give you an idea of what to look for, in each individual case though, it's 50/50. Either he did this or he didn't.

I am very confident that MSP are doing their job and getting to the bottom of this.

There are only 2 things that people here should be cheerleading for.
#1. That whatever the situation may be, VS comes home alive. and
#2. The Truth is revealed.

BBM

But DS is not missing....VS is.

 

[LIONKING21]

First, I have been reading this website for about a week now on this case and I would like to thank everyone for the useful info. and the professionalism like behavior on this site. We live about 8 miles from the Stewart farm, and know some of the family pretty good, but not DS, so this is a pretty local story for us.

My questions are- 1) if the Schoolcraft neighbors are right and they did indeed see DS cruising the neighborhood , what time was that on Sunday, and 2) what time is the Walmart receipt printed ?
That would somewhat firm up the timeline the day before abnd obviously point to a 2nd POI.'
Also, if the above is true - where did DS and his "accomplice" stay the nigh prior ? In their vehicles? at a hotel ? at his parents house ? someone had to see something more
Thanks !!!

 

[Kimberlyd125]

Welcome to Websleuths LIONKING21!

Great 1st post.

 

[Blondie in Spokane]

Welcome to Websleuths Lionking21!

 

[mysticrose]

Sorry if this has been addressed (not caught up on the whole thread yet)...

If the police make an arrest too soon they run the risk of a nolle prosequi, meaning the DA would be forced to drop charges.

As frustrating as it may be to those of us who seek justice rendered it would be irresponsible for any LE to make a premature arrest. Once a suspect is in custody the wheels of the court begin moving and the prosecuting agency must be confident they can make a case.

Bringing up the Laci Peterson case again to argue from the other side....they had a ton of circumstancial evidence very early on and I would wager Scott was on their radar long before a month's time. They waited to find a body prior to pursuing charges for one reason only - to make absolutely certain the case would stick.

Remember double jeopardy.

Responsible, competent LE is both unable and unwilling to make an arrest and hope all the pieces fit later. It's just too big of a gamble when talking possible murder.

Also, not to be argumentative...but every so often it keeps popping up that LE, the media, and even some of us are wrong for focusing their attention on DS so early.

It is entirely plausible he has nothing to do with Venus' abduction. However, in 2007 33% of female homicides were perpetrated by an intimate partner compared to just 7% of male homicides. I think we can garner from this forum those numbers are likely on the rise as well.

That is ONE THIRD of women killed by someone who said they loved them! At some point, common sense dictates if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it might just be a duck.

WELCOME to WS ... Glad you joined !

Great post, you are right about the police wanting to have it right to make charges stick. It is so frustrating for sure as we all just want to lock em up as in my opinion DS is the guilty party somehow, someway, if only it were that easy.
Similar in the Susan Powell case as Josh still roams free and everything points to him imo, but without Susans body I am afraid he may roam free for years to come ........

 

[mysticrose]

WELCOME to WS Lionking21!

 

[spamelope]

First, I have been reading this website for about a week now on this case and I would like to thank everyone for the useful info. and the professionalism like behavior on this site. We live about 8 miles from the Stewart farm, and know some of the family pretty good, but not DS, so this is a pretty local story for us.

My questions are- 1) if the Schoolcraft neighbors are right and they did indeed see DS cruising the neighborhood , what time was that on Sunday, and 2) what time is the Walmart receipt printed ?
That would somewhat firm up the timeline the day before abnd obviously point to a 2nd POI.'
Also, if the above is true - where did DS and his "accomplice" stay the nigh prior ? In their vehicles? at a hotel ? at his parents house ? someone had to see something more
Thanks !!!

Welcome to WS, Lionking!
I wish we knew what time the sighting was and the receipt printed. That would clear so much up. I personally think that the drivers drove straight through and probably didn't spend the night anywhere but on the road. There was way too much driving to be done. What I don't get is why they used both vehicles. Why not save gas and just bring the truck?

 

[spamelope]

Do we know where the children are? I read somewhere where they are in hiding? Have we determined who put them in hiding, was it the grandparents? Or was it the police?

I don't think it was mentioned just who hid the children. But since the grandmother said the children have seen the news about this case, I would imagine they are not in the care of professionals who would have made sure that would not happen.

 

[spamelope]

Does anyone know if TES has been asked to conduct a search?

 

[Lurkey Lou]

What?????????????

Obviously you don't know women very well. Or at least women that are afraid of their husbands and afraid for their children! ANY woman I know or hear of would FIRST run to their parents or family members house for support and security!!! I don't believe for one second that Venus ONLY ran to Michigan to 'get a better deal from the courts'!! In fact, I'd bet 'the courts' were not even the first things on her mind when she decided to run! Escaping safely with your children would be first and foremost - then going to a place where you have emotional and physical support is where most people run to! Hence....going 'home' to her parents house.
Geez....not because of a 'better deal'. -one reason and one reason ONLY ???-

I have no clue how this case will end up, and I do agree that the consensus is that DS is to blame, but to be fair, I'm glad they are getting their 'ducks in a row' before arresting DS. I wouldn't want him or anyone else getting away with this just on a slimy technicality.

Thank you button doesn't seem like enough for this post. My cousin is going thru something very simliar and she is 14 hours away from all of us. The only people she has there is his family. He has cheated on her, he told his girlfriend he was going to hire someone to kill her and she is scared for her life. They were arguing one day and she threw a baby bottle at him breaking his adulterous nose, and HE filed domestic charges on her. So these domestic violence charges against Venus could be something really simple and crazy, we have no way of knowing. She is filing for divorce at the end of May and wants to return home with the children ( 14 hours away to her family ) but she knows that will be the thing that blows his powder keg. He is a very prominent surgeon and all his dirty little secrets will come out in a divorce. NO ONE who knows him, knows these things. She's told no one but her family. If she ran home to us after filing for divorce, I'm pretty sure what the courts would do or say would be the last thing on her mind. Mr. Blacks post completely rubbed me the wrong way.

 

[Lurkey Lou]

this is NOT meant to be one of the scud missiles headed your way Saint!!

I just have to comment on the VS being charged with domestic violence. While I have never been a victim of domestic violence ( Thank God!!) I have tried to always be aware of it and it's "things to look for" patterns. One thing that comes to mind is........and I have not seen anyone else mention this.....Isn't it possible that for once she fought back? She had, had enough! She smacked him? Maybe it happened twice or three times, who knows but none of us know what her life was like living with this man....As I see it, he would have LOVED having her charged with domestic violence, that would be another thing he had on her. Doesn't anyone else see this as a possibility?

My cousin who is the sweetest girl I know was so frustrated with her cheating lying husband that during a verbal argument she threw a baby bottle at him breaking his nose. She was charged with domestic violence and he got a restraining order against her. I'm not saying what she did was right, but I'm saying we have no idea what led up to Venus being charged either.

 

[Calliope]

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering: what times can Doug be positively placed in Virginia (hence my wildcat query about the possibility of him having flown back to Virgina from Battle Creek/K-zoo or even Ft Wayne).

If by that morning, the friends mean 11:30 am, hmm...

Kinda sleepy here... forgive me if I missed this, but where does it say these witnesses are DS's 'friends'?