March 27: Sweet Remembrances – A Historic Cemetery Tour (Franklin)
March 3, 2010
Nicholls Culinary Program hopes 3rd time is a charm at nationals
March 5, 2010
Authorities from Terrebonne Parish found the body of 26-year-old Merrell Stewart last Tuesday in a small body of water about three miles west of La. Highway 311 near Houma.
The mother had missed her child’s first birthday and no one could reach her on her cell phone, according to a news release issued by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO). She also missed school and work.
Stewart had last been seen with her boyfriend, Corey Galmore, on Thursday, Feb. 18.
Deputies began investigating the missing persons complaint on Feb. 19, at about 6 p.m. Over the following days, trained K-9 units from Lafourche and Assumption Parish sheriff’s offices helped conduct a search of Stewart’s apartment, vehicle and wooded areas but did not locate her.
While searching more wooded areas near Gray, officials from Lafourche utilized 4-wheelers to no avail.
Last Tuesday, detectives extended the search, said the release. “TPSO detectives and water patrol division patrolled the marsh area beneath the La. Highway 90 overpass. At approximately 12:30 p.m. detectives located the body of [Stewart],” it explained. The victim was found in about a foot of water.
The autopsy, which was scheduled the day after, revealed no gunshot or stab wounds.
A toxicology report and additional tests for internal injuries are being conducted. But the toxicology report could take up to four weeks, said TPSO spokesperson Maj. Malcolm Wolfe.
At this time, the cause of death is unknown.
Merrell’s boyfriend turned himself in for an outstanding child support warrant during the investigation but denied being involved in the victim’s disappearance, said authorities.
“We haven’t yet named a suspect in the case,” noted Wolfe.
Merrell Steward – Mother of two’s body was found in shallow water
