A suspect arrested a week ago in Texas has been implicated in the slaying of a man found dead two weeks ago in Oglethorpe County.
Along with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, and City of Denton Police Department (TX), the GBI announced Tuesday that 29-year-old Michael Thomas Dusch of North Carolina has been charged with the murder of 69-year-old David J. Stewart. Stewart's body was found by an individual on Feb. 25 in an area near his home along Double Bridges Road.
Dusch has been charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Exploitation of Elderly, False Imprisonment, Concealing the Death of Another, Financial Transaction Card Theft, and Identity Fraud. Additional charges may arise as the investigation continues.
The suspect was wanted in North Carolina for Child Pornography and Identity Theft charges when he was stopped for a traffic stop in Denton, Texas in a stolen vehicle. Authorities found items in the vehicle connecting the suspect to the murder in Oglethorpe County. Dusch is also involved in another investigation in Arkansas that still ongoing.
Stewart and Dusch did not know each other prior to events that led to Stewart’s death.
Any information or tips about this case should be directed to Det. Hunter at 706-743-8101 ext. 1714 or email jhunter@oglethorpesheriff.org
