Randy Stewart dies in fatal Oak Island shooting

Randy Stewart dies in fatal Oak Island shooting

Fatal Oak Island shooting death of Randy Stewart

Oak Island law enforcement arrested 40-year-old Brian Reed Grant regarding the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Randy Stewart, described as a locksmith from Southport. On July 23, Stewart was found shot fatally when he was attending to a business call at Grant’s house.

Responding officers arrived at the NE 49th Street residence around 6:18 p.m. and encountered Stewart deceased. Investigators linked Grant, a man formerly involved in minor league baseball who was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002, to the property. He was taken into custody not long after the discovery.

The district attorney’s office notes that the property served as Grant’s secondary residence, though it was reported he was staying there for several days. His legal representative, however, stated that Grant had only recently arrived. Stewart had come with his wife and two dogs, intending to go fishing after finishing the locksmith services.

A nearby witness told police they heard two distinct gunshots and noted Grant had left the area following the sounds. Investigators mentioned Grant claimed Stewart had threatened him with a knife and mentioned a Navy SEAL presence in the home. His lawyer contested this, insisting Grant was uncooperative and approached by police without prior questioning.

Grant, a resident of Wake County with no prior criminal record, is being held without bail at the Brunswick County jail and faces charges including second-degree murder. His court appearance is set for August 11.

Officials noted the incident was contained and there is no public safety risk. The Oak Island Police Department also corrected misinformation circulating online about other victims, emphasizing the information was unfounded.

A potential sentence for a conviction could be life imprisonment without the possibility of release.