OOLITIC, Ind. – Investigators in Lawrence County are again asking the public for information in the shooting death of James Stewart, who was found fatally wounded in a camper near Salt Creek on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.
According to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Stewart was found deceased from a gunshot wound in his camper along Salt Creek near Lafayette Avenue and Oolitic Road on the south edge of Oolitic. Officials said the death was initially reported as a possible suicide, but law enforcement suspected possible foul play during the initial response.
The sheriff’s office said the case has been investigated as a homicide. Detectives and Indiana State Police crime scene technicians spent multiple days processing the scene for evidence, authorities said.
Investigators said they have spent hundreds of hours following up on leads and tips, conducting interviews and re-interviews, and continuing to process and examine digital evidence. Officials said laboratory analysis is ongoing.
With the case reaching its three-year mark, detectives are renewing their request for information, emphasizing that even small details could help clarify what happened and bring closure to Stewart’s family, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities did not release additional details about a suspect description, potential witnesses, or a timeline leading up to the shooting. The sheriff’s office encouraged anyone who was in the area near Salt Creek, Lafayette Avenue, or Oolitic Road around the time Stewart was found to come forward, even if they previously spoke with investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andrea Tedrow at 812-275-3316. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-262-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous, authorities said.
For students and young workers, investigators note that sharing what you heard or saw—without posting rumors—can help move a case forward.
