Press Release
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
December 9, 2025 – Port Charlotte, FL
A Port Charlotte man was arrested after shooting his father to death and returning to the scene to turn himself in.
Just after 7pm on Monday, December 8, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received calls and texts to 911 reporting gunshots in the area of Abscott Street in Port Charlotte. One caller reported there was a man bleeding in the driveway. Units arrived on scene and located a male lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately called for EMS and the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Major Case Unit was contacted to take over the scene and investigation.
While units were working the scene, they observed the victim’s vehicle arrive and park a short distance away. A man identified as Melquan A. Stewart (01/19/2000), exited the vehicle and approached the scene on foot. Deputies could see that he was covered in what appeared to be blood and began to question him. Stewart advised that he was turning himself in and would speak with detectives. He subsequently confessed to the crime. The investigation is ongoing.
“I cannot imagine many things worse for a family to go through than something like this, especially during the holiday season. My heart goes out to the rest of the family as they cope with this unbearable situation, essentially the loss of two loved ones at the same time, and the long, difficult road ahead through the justice system. May God watch over them and keep them strong.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
Melquan Stewart was placed under arrest on the charge of murder and is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.