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Anthonese Stewart, affectionately known as Niecy, was a vibrant and beloved 28-year-old woman whose life was characterized by joy, bravery, and an unwavering love for her family. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she attended Southwind High School, where her bright spirit and infectious smile left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Anthonese's journey through life was marked by her deep familial bonds and her compassionate nature. She was a daughter, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness resonated with everyone she encountered. Her dreams and aspirations, however, were tragically cut short on the early morning of Monday, July 1st.
**Gary Newman: A Pillar of Strength**
Gary Newman, a distinguished U.S. Army veteran, served his country with honor and dedication. Beyond his commendable military service, Gary was known for his quiet, reserved demeanor and his role as an exemplary father and uncle. His dependable and loving nature made him the pillar of his family, a role he embraced with unwavering commitment.
At 65 years old, Gary's life was a testament to his dedication to both his country and his loved ones. His life, however, came to a tragic end alongside his niece, Anthonese, in a senseless act of violence.
**The Tragic Morning**
On the morning of July 1st, at approximately 5:15 a.m., deputies responded to a distressing shooting incident on the 7600 block of Newfound Gap Road. Upon arrival, they found both Anthonese Stewart and Gary Newman had been shot. Anthonese was pronounced dead at the scene, while Gary, critically injured, was rushed to the hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds.
The family identified the shooter as 28-year-old Jaylan McCollins, Anthonese's boyfriend. According to family members, Anthonese had attempted to end their relationship, which led to a heated argument. In a fit of rage, McCollins allegedly shot both Anthonese and Gary, who had intervened to protect his niece.
**The Aftermath and Family's Heartbreak**
The aftermath of the shooting left the family shattered. Anthonese's mother, Sharon Witherspoon, recounted the events with a heavy heart, explaining that her daughter was trying to distance herself from McCollins, who struggled to cope with the breakup. Sharon expressed a deep sense of betrayal felt by the family, as they had treated McCollins like one of their own. Even Gary, the man McCollins fatally shot, had welcomed him into their home.
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The shooting transformed the family's residence on Newfound Gap Road into a crime scene. While Sharon was at work during the incident, Anthonese's teenage brother was present in the home, adding to the family's trauma.
This tragedy is not the first to befall Sharon Witherspoon's family. Her brother, Frank Gottie, is an anti-violence advocate who, in 2020, also lost a brother to gun violence. Sharon emphasized the critical importance of the anti-violence message in light of these repeated tragedies.
**A Call for Peace and Unity**
Anthonese Stewart was a cherished young woman with a promising future, while Gary Newman was a veteran who dedicated his life to his family and country. Their untimely deaths, stemming from a breakup that turned violent, have left a profound void in the lives of those who loved them. The family continues to advocate for peace and unity, hoping to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future. [lCIOpyoujD4] |