New Evidence in Case of Missing Michigan Woman Points to Estranged Husband

A blood stain and a Walmart receipt recently discovered by Michigan police are hinting at possible foul play on the part of a missing woman's estranged husband. Venus Stewart, 32, disappeared from her parent's home in Colon Township, MI., early in the morning on April 26th. Signs of a struggle were visible in the gravel driveway. CBS affiliate WWMT is revealing that Michigan detectives recently traveled to Virginia to visit the residence of Venus' estranged husband, Douglas Stewart. They went through his apartment and two of his vehicles. Newschannel 3 obtained the search warrants that detail what police took as potential evidence, and two findings by detectives were highly suspicious. According to CBS/WWMT, investigators found an apparent blood stain in Douglas Stewart's pick-up truck, located on the front driver's side door. They also found a receipt from an Ohio WalMart showing a purchase that included gloves, a cap, tarp, and shovel.

Newschannel 3 is also learning that a neighbor reported seeing a man crouched behind a gray pick-up truck that was parked in an empty lot across from Venus' parents home in Colon around the time that she went missing. Tire impressions taken from that scene were compared to those on Douglas Stewart's truck and the general tread pattern is a match.


Wow... needless to say, the above information doesn't look good for the missing mother, or her estranged husband.

Source:
CBS Newschannel 3. WalMart receipt raises suspicion in case of missing mother. May 10th, 2010.

Mom of 2 Abducted from Front Yard, Wearing only Pajamas

Another young mom has gone missing, this time from Grand Rapids, Michigan. 32-year-old Venus Stewart was abducted from her parents’ home as she walked out in the early morning hours to mail a letter. She was wearing only her pajamas at the time. HLN's Nancy Grace reported earlier tonight that signs of a struggle were visible at the scene, including heel marks in the yard along with gravel scattered across the sidewalk.

Now we are learning that the young mother of 2 may have just recently escaped a violent relationship. Crime Reporter Michelle Sigona revealed on her website that court records show Venus Stewart feared her husband so much that she filed three orders of protection against him over the course of their marriage. In court documents Venus writes, “I am scared to death and every day I live in constant fear and I am constantly looking over my shoulder wondering when he will appear again.” According to Michelle Sigona's report, in February 2010, Stewart packed up her kids and moved with her family to Michigan. Tonight's HLN's news broadcast also mentioned that the mother had just been granted temporary custody of her 2 daughters a week before she went missing.

Venus’ estranged husband was located overnight in Newport Beach, Virginia. Lt. Ricko of the Michigan State Police told Michelle Sigona that Douglas Stewart had not been arrested, but they are conducting an investigation.

Police ask that anyone who may have seen Venus Stewart or the vehicles to call the State Police post in White Pigeon at 269-483-7611.

Source:
Michellesigona.com. MICHIGAN MOM ABDUCTED (update). May 3rd, 2010.