Update: Melrose Murder Victim Linked to Missing Teen

by: Major Keith Riddick

 At this time, there is no new information in the murder of James Thomas Stewart or the whereabouts of Morgan Amanda Leppert. Putnam County Detectives and the members of the 7th Judicial Circuit Homicide Investigative Unit continue their investigation into the matter.
 The post mortem examination of Mr. Stewart is not complete at this writing.

 To reiterate the previous information: The body of James Thomas Stewart, 66 years of age, of 109 Cherry Laurel Drive in Melrose was discovered in his home at approximately 10:24am on 5/1/2008. Mr. Stewart was found by Putnam County Sheriff's Deputies who responded to a call from persons concerned because they had not heard from him in several days.
 It was then learned that Stewart's telephone number was found on a cell phone belonging to 15 year old Morgan Leppert. Leppert, had been reported missing, to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, on April 22, 2008, by her mother. At that time she was believed to be in the company of Toby Lee Lowry, her 22 year old boyfriend.
 Investigators learned that Stewart's vehicle, a silver in color 2003 Toyota Tacoma, extended-cab, long-wheel base two wheel drive pick-up truck, was missing. The vehicle's Florida tag, 193KLR, was then entered into the Florida and National crime information system, which caused our agency to receive several "hits" where the tag had been inquired by various law enforcement agencies prior to it being entered. Those responses came from several locations along Interstate 10, with the last response occurring at approximately 12:30 am on the morning of the 1st of May from Katy, Texas.
 Warrants have been issued for Lowry, charging him with Grand Theft of the vehicle and Interference with Custody of a Child. An Amber Alert has been issued, nationwide, for Leppert.

Below are photos of Leppert and Lowry: If you can provide information on the whereabouts of either person please call 386-329-0800

Lowry	Leppert
Lowry	Leppert