Emily's Way Foundation
established to honor the memory of Emily, whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence.
Emily's Story
Told from the heart of her mother, Ann Stewart
“On the evening of July 20th, while working at a local restaurant, Emily texted me to check on the children and let us know that she’d be coming home a little late. But in the early hours of the morning, our world shattered. A knock at the door revealed a sheriff deputy and a coroner, who delivered the devastating news that Emily had been shot and killed. In that moment, I knew who had taken my girl from me.
Heartbreaking Realties Unfold
Over the next few days of planning her celebration of life and relying on friends and family for help, I learned of her killer’s criminal history. It is lengthy and filled with acts of violence involving guns and possession of guns illegally. As days unfolded and I had time, I started doing some research, looking for answers. He was on probation for possessing guns as a convicted felon. Yet they discovered 9 weapons on his property. I discovered that he, though arrested many times, had miraculously not served any time in prison. I also took note of the fact that the same local judge sat on many of his cases. I soon discovered this judge is a close friend of the family. That seems very inappropriate to me. Having only lived in Georgetown a few years and working from home, I don’t know a lot of people here. It soon became apparent as many came forward that the locals knew that he had been in trouble his entire adult life and had never really been punished for his many crimes.
Justice Unserved
As I have talked with law enforcement and solicitors, I am firmly convinced that laws need to be changed. All municipalities should have oversight and accountability, which we have been told is not the case at all. How can domestic violence laws not include boyfriends? Why did the bill that was introduced last year to make that change not get passed? I read article after article of stories written, politicians speak about the need for change, and yet nothing changes. Women are being killed by men they know at an alarming rate. People repeatedly commit violent acts or acts of violence, an area of SC law that is gray, and make plea deals to get lesser charges and no time. Small town politics and who you know is determining the outcome to what should be unbiased court cases.
Two years later, my daughter’s murderer has yet to go to trial.
Emily’s Way was created by my son and I to honor her legacy, ensuring her spirit lives on by continuing the work she was so passionate about. We are committed to advocating for addiction recovery, supporting victims of domestic violence, and fighting for justice and much needed changes in our judicial system so that our loved ones are protected.
