Morbid Podcast Summary: Episode 671 – The Murder of Carol Stewart
Introduction
In Episode 671 of Morbid, hosted by Ash and Elena from the Morbid Network | Wondery, the hosts delve into the harrowing true crime case of Carol Stewart, a promising young law student from Boston, whose life was tragically cut short. This detailed summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn throughout the episode, providing an engaging narrative for those unfamiliar with the story.
1. Background of Carol Stewart
Carol Ann Dematti, born on March 26, 1959, in Medford, Massachusetts, was the epitome of a dedicated and ambitious student. Growing up in a loving, extended family environment, Carol excelled academically, attending St. James School, a Catholic institution where she was known as a ray of light in the administrative office each morning ([04:33] Ash).
Carol's aspirations were clear—she dreamed of marrying a good husband, living in the suburbs, and raising a wonderful family. Described by her childhood friend Robert as someone who could connect with everyone, from jocks to geeks, Carol was seen as a pleasant and approachable individual ([06:19] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"What teenage Carol wanted most of all was to be married to a good husband, living in the suburbs with a couple terrific kids, happily ever after." ([05:55] Ash)
2. The Relationship with Chuck Stewart
At 15, Carol began working at Driftwood, a local restaurant, under the supervision of her father, Justo D., who served as a part-time bartender. It was here that Carol met Chuck Stewart, one of the cooks. Chuck, characterized by his rugged handsomeness and athleticism, pursued Carol with determination, despite being a less academically inclined individual.
Their relationship blossomed over the years, leading to their marriage on October 13, 1985, at St. James Church—the same venue where Carol’s parents were wed. By the time of their marriage, Chuck had advanced his career, earning a substantial income, allowing them to purchase a home in the upscale area of Reading, 25 miles from Austin ([22:02] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"With Chuck, it was always flowers here, flowers there." ([19:56] Ash)
3. Mounting Tensions and Personal Struggles
Despite appearing as the ideal suburban couple—with Chuck excelling in his managerial role and Carol poised to become a successful TAG tax lawyer—their relationship was rife with underlying tensions. Carol grew increasingly frustrated by the disparity in their professional achievements and earnings. While Chuck enjoyed a prosperous career without formal education, Carol faced financial strains despite her academic accomplishments ([23:43] Ash).
Chuck's behavioral patterns raised concerns among Carol's friends and family. His insatiable materialism, combining high-end purchases with accumulating credit card debt, and his controlling tendencies—such as insisting Carol use a car phone to "keep tabs" on her movements—signaled deeper issues within their marriage ([25:38] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"With Chuck, it just seems like another way for Chuck to be the dominant one in their relationship and hold his success over Carol's head." ([25:57] Ash)
4. The Night of the Murder
On the evening of October 23, 1989, Carol and Chuck were returning from a child birthing class at Brigham and Women's Hospital. During their drive home, Chuck became agitated due to a severe traffic jam. Choosing to navigate through the dangerous Roxbury neighborhood—a decision that alarmed Carol—they encountered a young black man who forcibly entered their car. The assailant shot Carol point-blank in the head and Chuck in the stomach before fleeing the scene ([39:03] Ash).
Chuck managed to call 911, providing a vague description of the attacker and the events that transpired. The Massachusetts State Police responded swiftly, but the chaotic nature of the call and limited information made the investigation challenging ([40:16] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"The shooter had used a .38 caliber handgun." ([40:54] Ash)
5. Investigation and Police Response
The initial response from law enforcement was marked by urgency, with Mayor Ray Flynn advocating for aggressive action against gun violence. However, disparities quickly emerged in how the Stewart case was prioritized compared to other violent crimes, particularly those affecting the black community in Roxbury. Critics argued that the police focused disproportionately on finding justice for the white Stewarts while neglecting similar cases involving black victims ([44:07] Ash).
Investigators arrested Alan Swanson based on a flimsy description that fit racial stereotypes prevalent at the time. Despite being cleared of unrelated charges, Swanson was held without substantial evidence linking him to the Stewart murders—a move that fueled accusations of racial bias and police misconduct ([48:57] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"People felt as long as all this violence was in the greater Roxbury neighborhood, it's not going to affect us." ([44:22] Ash)
6. Arrest and Release of Willie Bennett
Amidst growing frustration over the lack of progress, police arrested Willie Bennett during a traffic stop. Bennett, a 39-year-old with a history of violent crimes, confessed to the shootings but later retracted his statements, leading to his release due to insufficient evidence. His brief impasse highlighted the flawed investigative processes and the desperation to close the case quickly ([49:27] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"The Boston Police Department was using Swanson as a convenient scapegoat to appease the public." ([48:23] Ash)
7. Matthew Stewart's Confession and Chuck's Suicide
The case took a dramatic turn when Matthew Stewart, Chuck’s brother, presented a conflicting narrative. He revealed that Chuck had approached him weeks before the murders with plans to steal Carol's jewelry for insurance fraud. When the initial scheme failed, Chuck devised a new plan, leading to the fateful night in Mission Hill. Matthew handed over a bag containing Carol's purse and a .38 caliber handgun, which were later linked to the murder scene ([62:13] Ash).
Facing the gravity of the evidence against him and unable to escape the repercussions of his actions, Chuck Stewart took his own life by jumping off the Tobin Bridge. A note was found in his car, expressing love for his family but offering no explanation for his actions, leaving authorities to piece together the true motive behind the murders ([64:51] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"Whatever this new accusation is, it has beaten me. I've been sapped of my strength." ([64:34] Ash)
8. Aftermath and Impact on the Community
The revelation that Chuck was the murderer rather than the initially suspected Willie Bennett had profound implications for the Boston community. It exposed deep-seated racial biases within the police department and highlighted the challenges faced by black residents in receiving equitable protection and justice. Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins, in 2019, acknowledged the lasting trauma inflicted by the case, emphasizing the need for institutional reforms to ensure equal treatment for all community members ([67:14] Ash).
Notable Quote:
"The murder of Carol and Christopher Dematti precipitated a chain of events that created deep trauma beyond one family." ([68:08] Ash)
9. Conclusions
The tragic murder of Carol Stewart and her unborn child, Christopher, serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between personal turmoil and systemic injustice. While the case was eventually closed with Chuck Stewart identified as the murderer, the path to that conclusion was marred by racial prejudice, flawed investigative practices, and a community grappling with internal divisions.
Ash and Elena conclude the episode by reflecting on the importance of empathy, honesty, and moral integrity, urging listeners to treat one another with kindness and to confront societal wrongs with transparency and accountability.
Notable Quote:
"Be good people to your fellow people. Especially right now." ([70:31] Elena)
Final Thoughts
Episode 671 of Morbid meticulously unpacks a complex and emotionally charged case, weaving together personal narratives, investigative shortcomings, and broader societal issues. Through their compassionate and incisive storytelling, Ash and Elena provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Carol Stewart's murder and its lasting impact on the Boston community.