OAK ISLAND, N.C. — A family continues to grapple with the aftermath of a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a local locksmith. Randy Stewart was killed in July while responding to a service call, leaving his loved ones searching for answers as the alleged shooter awaits trial free on bond.
Police arrested Brian Reed Grant, the homeowner where the incident occurred, charging him with first-degree murder. Despite being in custody, Grant was released after a court reduced his bond to $1 million, a decision that has raised concerns for Stewart’s family.
John Banks, Stewart’s stepbrother, expressed his grief, reflecting on the turning point that led to this tragic moment. “He’s out, he’s a free man, and my brother’s dead,” Banks said, conveying the emotional weight of losing a loved one while knowing the alleged perpetrator is not behind bars. Banks learned of Stewart’s death through a Facebook message from a friend, leaving him in shock and disbelief. “What is going on? Why would anyone harm Randy?” he recalled questioning in the immediate aftermath.
The brothers first crossed paths in the mid-1970s after their families merged, and while they faced challenges growing up, their relationship deepened over the years. Banks fondly remembered working alongside Stewart on locksmithing jobs. “Randy was always a diligent worker, very thoughtful, and caring,” he said, illuminating the kind of person Stewart was.
However, the brothers drifted apart after their parents’ deaths in 2016, and Banks mourns the lost opportunity to reconnect. “It’s sad to think his life ended doing something he’d done a thousand times or more,” Banks remarked, referring to the routine nature of Stewart’s work. He highlighted prior incidents in Stewart’s life, including a serious car accident during military service and open-heart surgery, emphasizing the unexpected nature of his untimely death.
In the pursuit of justice, Banks has attempted to engage with law enforcement for updates, but he has been met with silence due to the ongoing investigation. “There’s a lot of unanswered questions. A killer walks free, and that’s hard to understand,” he said, expressing the frustration felt by family members.
Grant’s legal team is preparing to assert a self-defense claim, citing alleged circumstances during the shooting that reportedly involved a knife and an uninvited intruder. However, Banks finds it difficult to reconcile those claims with the personality of his stepbrother. “I never believed it, and no one I’ve spoken to believes it,” he stated, underscoring the disbelief surrounding the narrative presented by the accused.
As the case moves forward, Banks emphasized the importance of seeking justice for Stewart. “He deserves justice, and anyone does, but I feel particularly strong about Randy,” he said, capturing the essence of a family’s longing for closure.
The next court date for Brian Grant is scheduled for December 1, leaving family members hopeful yet anxious for the forthcoming proceedings.