Denise Bohn-Stewart Murdered: Popular Michigan Radio Host Slain By Husband In Murder-Suicide, Police Say


Denise Bohn-Stewart has been murdered in her Michigan home in what police said was a murder-suicide committed by her husband, leaving an outpouring of remembrances for the popular radio show host.

Bohn-Stewart, a host on the radio station WSJM, was found shot several times inside her Royal Township home. Nearby, police found a handgun and the body of her husband, Eric Stewart, who police believe killed his wife before turning the gun on himself.

State police 1st Lt. Chuck Christensen told CBS Detroit station WWJ-TV that Eric and Denise Bohn-Stewart had a history of domestic problems. Their three children — ages 10, 9, and 8 — were reportedly home at the time of the murder-suicide, but did not call police. They were not harmed, police said.

Investigators said there was evidence that Eric Stewart may have planned the murder-suicide, and they added that the public is not in danger.

Denise Bohn-Stewart was a popular radio host known for her work on WSBT in South Bend and later as the co-host of 98.3 The Coast’s show Denise and Jonny in the Morning.

After news of her slaying was reported, many colleagues remembered Bohn-Stewart as a dedicated reporter and a caring friend.

“The entire WSBT 22 News family is saddened by today’s tragedy,” said John Haferkamp, WSBT 22 news director. “Denise was not only a fellow journalist, but a friend to many of us. Denise was hard-working, caring, and loved our community. Her strong passion for life, for news, and sharing great stories will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children and family.”

Others took to social media to remember Denise Bohn-Stewart.

Her husband, Eric Stewart, worked at a local nuclear plant as a maintenance supervisor.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible news, as well as with all of our employees,” an official at his company noted. “We have made grief counselors available to our employees. We’re still processing this ourselves. That’s all we have to say at this time.”

The murder of Denise Bohn-Stewart is the second murder-suicide to claim the life of a popular local news figure in as many weeks. Earlier in April, Dallas food reporter Stacy Fawcett was stabbed to death by her son, McCann Utu Jr., in an attack that also left McCann’s younger brother dead. McCann would take his own life as well.

Afterward, there was an outpouring of condolences for Fawcett and her sons. Many longtime friends of McCann noted that he was drastically changed after suffering a series of concussions in high school, leading him to become withdrawn and to fall into drugs and alcohol.

The father of the boys, McCann Utu, Sr., also blamed his son’s violent behavior on the effects of the concussion.

“I’m in so much pain and need to grieve for my boys and Stacy right now,” he said in a statement to News 8. “I will stay in touch when the time is right. Please respect this time for me and my entire for family. Thank you… God will use my pain to help and save other that are going through mental illness and concussion. God will glorify through my pain.”

Friends and neighbors said the murder of Denise Bohn-Stewart was especially tragic given her life’s circumstances. The 45-year-old was a breast cancer survivor, known for her positive outlook and fighting spirit.

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