Carthage Nursing Home Shooting
Nursing Home Mass Shooting
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Carthage, North Carolina
TIME PERIOD
March 29, 2009
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
The Carthage nursing home shooting occurred on March 29, 2009, at Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation in Carthage, North Carolina, where 45-year-old Robert Kenneth Stewart opened fire, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to three others, including himself. Stewart specifically targeted his estranged wife, a nurse at the facility, who managed to evade harm by hiding during the attack. After firing several rounds in the parking lot, he entered the nursing home armed with multiple firearms, including a shotgun and two handguns, before being apprehended by responding police officer Cpl. Justin Garner, who was also injured in the incident. Stewart was convicted in 2011 of eight counts of second-degree murder and is currently serving a sentence of 179 years and four months in prison.
Many believe that Robert Kenneth Stewart's primary motive was to kill his estranged wife, who was a nurse at the nursing home, and that his actions were fueled by personal grievances. Some speculate that the choice of a nursing home as the location for the shooting was intended to maximize the impact and chaos of the attack. There is also discussion about the adequacy of security measures in such facilities, with some suggesting that the tragic event highlighted vulnerabilities in protecting vulnerable populations.
The Carthage Nursing Home Shooting: A Tragic Day in North Carolina
The Day of the Shooting
On a quiet Sunday morning, March 29, 2009, the tranquil air surrounding the Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation center in Carthage, North Carolina, was shattered by the sound of gunfire. This 120-bed nursing home became the scene of a horrific mass shooting that left eight people dead and several others wounded. The man responsible was 45-year-old Robert Kenneth Stewart, who arrived armed and ready to commit a heinous act that would forever scar the town of Carthage.
At approximately 10:00 AM, Stewart, dressed in bib overalls, stepped into the parking lot of the nursing home. His intended target was his estranged wife, Wanda Neal, a nurse at the facility. Though she had hidden and survived the assault unharmed, Stewart's fury was unleashed on the innocent. As he approached, he first fired at Wanda's empty car, shattering its windows, and then turned his weapon on visitor Michael Lee Cotten, hitting him in the left shoulder. Despite his injury, Cotten managed to rush inside and alert others to the danger.
The police received emergency calls almost immediately. In response, the sole on-duty officer in Carthage, 25-year-old Corporal Justin Garner, headed to the scene. Stewart, meanwhile, abandoned a camouflaged Remington 597 .22 caliber rifle on a Jeep Cherokee and stormed into the building with a .357 Magnum revolver, a .22 Magnum semi-automatic pistol, and a 12-gauge Winchester 1300 shotgun. As chaos erupted, staff frantically attempted to protect the residents, but Stewart's rampage continued unabated.
Inside the Nursing Home
Inside the facility, Stewart was a man on a mission. He navigated the hallways, seeking his wife, who had wisely hidden in a locked, passcode-protected bathroom. Stewart's search took him into the Alzheimer's unit, a secure area accessible only by passcode. His path was one of destruction, as he coldly shot and killed seven residents, including two confined to wheelchairs. In a tragic act of heroism, nurse Jerry Avant attempted to stop Stewart, only to become his eighth victim.
At around 10:05 AM, Corporal Garner encountered Stewart in the hallway. Despite Garner's commands to disarm, Stewart refused. Instead, he fired his shotgun, wounding Garner in the left leg. In a swift act of self-defense, Garner returned fire, striking Stewart in the chest and incapacitating him. Garner later recalled Stewart's chilling request: "Kill me, kill me."
The Victims
The lives lost that day were those of beloved family members and dedicated caregivers:
- Jerry Avant Jr., 39, a nurse who bravely confronted the shooter
- Louise DeKler, 98
- Lillian Dunn, 89
- Tessie Garner, 75
- John Walter Goldston, 78
- Bessie Hedrick, 78
- Margaret Johnson, 89
- Jesse Vernon Musser, 88
Investigation and Trial
In the immediate aftermath, Stewart faced eight counts of first-degree murder. However, during his trial in 2011, the jury returned a verdict of second-degree murder on all counts. Judge imposed the maximum sentence for each murder, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 179 years, four months, and 20 days. Prosecutors had initially aimed for the death penalty, contingent on a first-degree murder conviction.
The defense, led by attorneys Jonathan Megerian and Franklin Wells, argued that Stewart had been under the influence of Ambien, a sleeping aid, at the time of the shooting. They claimed this impaired his ability to premeditate and deliberate, crucial elements for a first-degree murder charge. Despite this defense, the prosecution successfully demonstrated that Stewart had planned the attack, proving his awareness and intent.
The Perpetrator's Background
Robert Kenneth Wayne Stewart was born on September 12, 1963, in Robeson County. His family relocated to Eastwood in Moore County during his childhood. Known as a quiet and sometimes volatile individual, Stewart struggled with his temper and personal relationships. His first marriage, at age 18, lasted only a few months. His second marriage to Wanda Gay Neal ended similarly due to his possessiveness, temper, and drinking.
Throughout his life, Stewart faced numerous personal and professional challenges. He worked as a house painter and owned a painting business that twice declared bankruptcy. His military service in the National Guard ended with an honorable discharge after six years. Socially, Stewart alienated others with his behavior, especially at the Clay Road Farm Hunt Club, where he was expelled for his aggressive demeanor.
In 2001, after a 15-year marriage to Sue Griffin, Stewart divorced and remarried Wanda Neal, promising her changes he ultimately did not fulfill. As tensions rose following Neal's departure three weeks before the shooting, Stewart's behavior grew erratic, leading to the tragic events of March 29.
Current Status
As of November 2024, Robert Kenneth Stewart remains incarcerated at the Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, North Carolina, serving his extensive sentence for the lives he irrevocably altered on that fateful day.
Sources
- Gunman Kills 8 at a N. Carolina Nursing Home, The New York Times
- Man kills eight at US care home, BBC
- Dispatches From the Deadliest Mass Shooting in N.C. History, The Pilot
- NC DPS Offender Public Information
- Nursing Home Shooting 'Not a Random Act', ABC News
- Alleged Gunman's Wife Worked at Nursing Home, The New York Times
- North Carolina Nursing Home Gunman's Wife Hid in Bathroom During Rampage, Fox News
- Suspect took 'nerve pills', The News & Observer
- I never knew he'd take it that far, The Fayetteville Observer
- Hero in nursing home rampage recalls facing mass murderer, WRAL.com
- Memorial service held for nursing home shooting victims, WRAL.com
- Town's lone officer subdued N.C. nursing home shooter, The State
- Warrants: NC man said he doesn’t remember rampage, The News Courier
- Robert Stewart guilty of 2nd-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison, The Fayetteville Observer
- Man guilty in 8 N.C. nursing home killings, UPI
- North Carolina Nursing Home Gunman Had Explosive Temper, Was Prone to Violence, Fox News
- Officials probe role of relationship in NC rampage, The Guardian
Wikipedia URL: Carthage nursing home shooting
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Police Confront Shooter
Cpl. Justin Garner confronts Stewart, who is shot and incapacitated after firing at the officer.
Victims Identified
Eight victims are confirmed dead, including nurse Jerry Avant and seven residents.
Stewart Charged
Robert Stewart is charged with eight counts of first-degree murder following the shooting.
Trial Verdict
Stewart is convicted of eight counts of second-degree murder and several lesser charges.
Nursing Home Shooting
Robert Kenneth Stewart opens fire at Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation, killing eight people.
Sentencing
Stewart is sentenced to 179 years, 4 months, and 20 days in prison for the murders.
The Carthage nursing home shooting occurred on March 29, 2009, at Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation in Carthage, North Carolina, where 45-year-old Robert Kenneth Stewart opened fire, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to three others, including himself. Stewart specifically targeted his estranged wife, a nurse at the facility, who managed to evade harm by hiding during the attack. After firing several rounds in the parking lot, he entered the nursing home armed with multiple firearms, including a shotgun and two handguns, before being apprehended by responding police officer Cpl. Justin Garner, who was also injured in the incident. Stewart was convicted in 2011 of eight counts of second-degree murder and is currently serving a sentence of 179 years and four months in prison.
Many believe that Robert Kenneth Stewart's primary motive was to kill his estranged wife, who was a nurse at the nursing home, and that his actions were fueled by personal grievances. Some speculate that the choice of a nursing home as the location for the shooting was intended to maximize the impact and chaos of the attack. There is also discussion about the adequacy of security measures in such facilities, with some suggesting that the tragic event highlighted vulnerabilities in protecting vulnerable populations.
The Carthage Nursing Home Shooting: A Tragic Day in North Carolina
The Day of the Shooting
On a quiet Sunday morning, March 29, 2009, the tranquil air surrounding the Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation center in Carthage, North Carolina, was shattered by the sound of gunfire. This 120-bed nursing home became the scene of a horrific mass shooting that left eight people dead and several others wounded. The man responsible was 45-year-old Robert Kenneth Stewart, who arrived armed and ready to commit a heinous act that would forever scar the town of Carthage.
At approximately 10:00 AM, Stewart, dressed in bib overalls, stepped into the parking lot of the nursing home. His intended target was his estranged wife, Wanda Neal, a nurse at the facility. Though she had hidden and survived the assault unharmed, Stewart's fury was unleashed on the innocent. As he approached, he first fired at Wanda's empty car, shattering its windows, and then turned his weapon on visitor Michael Lee Cotten, hitting him in the left shoulder. Despite his injury, Cotten managed to rush inside and alert others to the danger.
The police received emergency calls almost immediately. In response, the sole on-duty officer in Carthage, 25-year-old Corporal Justin Garner, headed to the scene. Stewart, meanwhile, abandoned a camouflaged Remington 597 .22 caliber rifle on a Jeep Cherokee and stormed into the building with a .357 Magnum revolver, a .22 Magnum semi-automatic pistol, and a 12-gauge Winchester 1300 shotgun. As chaos erupted, staff frantically attempted to protect the residents, but Stewart's rampage continued unabated.
Inside the Nursing Home
Inside the facility, Stewart was a man on a mission. He navigated the hallways, seeking his wife, who had wisely hidden in a locked, passcode-protected bathroom. Stewart's search took him into the Alzheimer's unit, a secure area accessible only by passcode. His path was one of destruction, as he coldly shot and killed seven residents, including two confined to wheelchairs. In a tragic act of heroism, nurse Jerry Avant attempted to stop Stewart, only to become his eighth victim.
At around 10:05 AM, Corporal Garner encountered Stewart in the hallway. Despite Garner's commands to disarm, Stewart refused. Instead, he fired his shotgun, wounding Garner in the left leg. In a swift act of self-defense, Garner returned fire, striking Stewart in the chest and incapacitating him. Garner later recalled Stewart's chilling request: "Kill me, kill me."
The Victims
The lives lost that day were those of beloved family members and dedicated caregivers:
- Jerry Avant Jr., 39, a nurse who bravely confronted the shooter
- Louise DeKler, 98
- Lillian Dunn, 89
- Tessie Garner, 75
- John Walter Goldston, 78
- Bessie Hedrick, 78
- Margaret Johnson, 89
- Jesse Vernon Musser, 88
Investigation and Trial
In the immediate aftermath, Stewart faced eight counts of first-degree murder. However, during his trial in 2011, the jury returned a verdict of second-degree murder on all counts. Judge imposed the maximum sentence for each murder, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 179 years, four months, and 20 days. Prosecutors had initially aimed for the death penalty, contingent on a first-degree murder conviction.
The defense, led by attorneys Jonathan Megerian and Franklin Wells, argued that Stewart had been under the influence of Ambien, a sleeping aid, at the time of the shooting. They claimed this impaired his ability to premeditate and deliberate, crucial elements for a first-degree murder charge. Despite this defense, the prosecution successfully demonstrated that Stewart had planned the attack, proving his awareness and intent.
The Perpetrator's Background
Robert Kenneth Wayne Stewart was born on September 12, 1963, in Robeson County. His family relocated to Eastwood in Moore County during his childhood. Known as a quiet and sometimes volatile individual, Stewart struggled with his temper and personal relationships. His first marriage, at age 18, lasted only a few months. His second marriage to Wanda Gay Neal ended similarly due to his possessiveness, temper, and drinking.
Throughout his life, Stewart faced numerous personal and professional challenges. He worked as a house painter and owned a painting business that twice declared bankruptcy. His military service in the National Guard ended with an honorable discharge after six years. Socially, Stewart alienated others with his behavior, especially at the Clay Road Farm Hunt Club, where he was expelled for his aggressive demeanor.
In 2001, after a 15-year marriage to Sue Griffin, Stewart divorced and remarried Wanda Neal, promising her changes he ultimately did not fulfill. As tensions rose following Neal's departure three weeks before the shooting, Stewart's behavior grew erratic, leading to the tragic events of March 29.
Current Status
As of November 2024, Robert Kenneth Stewart remains incarcerated at the Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, North Carolina, serving his extensive sentence for the lives he irrevocably altered on that fateful day.
Sources
- Gunman Kills 8 at a N. Carolina Nursing Home, The New York Times
- Man kills eight at US care home, BBC
- Dispatches From the Deadliest Mass Shooting in N.C. History, The Pilot
- NC DPS Offender Public Information
- Nursing Home Shooting 'Not a Random Act', ABC News
- Alleged Gunman's Wife Worked at Nursing Home, The New York Times
- North Carolina Nursing Home Gunman's Wife Hid in Bathroom During Rampage, Fox News
- Suspect took 'nerve pills', The News & Observer
- I never knew he'd take it that far, The Fayetteville Observer
- Hero in nursing home rampage recalls facing mass murderer, WRAL.com
- Memorial service held for nursing home shooting victims, WRAL.com
- Town's lone officer subdued N.C. nursing home shooter, The State
- Warrants: NC man said he doesn’t remember rampage, The News Courier
- Robert Stewart guilty of 2nd-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison, The Fayetteville Observer
- Man guilty in 8 N.C. nursing home killings, UPI
- North Carolina Nursing Home Gunman Had Explosive Temper, Was Prone to Violence, Fox News
- Officials probe role of relationship in NC rampage, The Guardian
Wikipedia URL: Carthage nursing home shooting
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Police Confront Shooter
Cpl. Justin Garner confronts Stewart, who is shot and incapacitated after firing at the officer.
Victims Identified
Eight victims are confirmed dead, including nurse Jerry Avant and seven residents.
Stewart Charged
Robert Stewart is charged with eight counts of first-degree murder following the shooting.
Trial Verdict
Stewart is convicted of eight counts of second-degree murder and several lesser charges.
Nursing Home Shooting
Robert Kenneth Stewart opens fire at Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation, killing eight people.
Sentencing
Stewart is sentenced to 179 years, 4 months, and 20 days in prison for the murders.