Melrose Man Found Dead, Foul Play Suspected

by: Capt. Rick Lashley

 At approximately 10:24 am, on 5/1/2008, James Thomas Stewart (DOB 03-25-42) was discovered deceased, within his residence located at 109 Cherry Laurel Drive, in Melrose, FL., Sheriff's Office deputies had been dispatched to his residence in reference to a call for a welfare check. Upon discovery of the deceased, foul play was apparent.
 PCSO detectives, along with investigators with the Homicide Investigative Unit from the Office of the State Attorney, FDLE Crime Scene Unit and an investigator with the Office of the Medical Examiner are presently investigating the homicide.

UPDATE:
 We are investigating a missing juvenile case, which has been broadcast via the Amber Alert system. The missing juvenile, 15 year old Morgan Amanda Leppert, was reported missing on April 22, 2008. She is apparently in the company of 22 year old Toby Lee Lowry, her boyfriend.
 A warrant has been issued on Lowry for larceny (Grand Theft Auto) and interference with child custody, with no bond and nationwide pickup. The stolen vehicle, a silver 2003 Toyota Tacoma, extended-cab, long-wheel base 2WD pick-up, bearing a Florida license plate (193KLR) is registered to James Thomas Stewart, the homicide victim. Investigation has revealed that the couple has been sited in the vehicle, within the past two days. Lowry has also been named as a person of interest in the homicide investigation.