Teen sentenced for raping, strangling, and fatally stabbing woman after offering to brush snow off her car

BRUNSWICK, Md. (TCN) -- A 19-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for raping, stabbing, and strangling a 61-year-old woman after asking to brush snow off her vehicle for money.

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office said that on Sept. 8, a judge sentenced Juwuan Stewart to life in prison plus 20 years after he entered a guilty plea in February to first-degree murder and first-degree rape. Stewart will also have to register as a sex offender.

According to prosecutors, on Jan. 22, 2024, a family member discovered the 61-year-old victim unresponsive. Brunswick Police responded and found the victim deceased at the scene. The medical examiner determined the victim died of multiple stab wounds and asphyxia due to strangulation. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Stewart was reportedly at the victim’s apartment on the afternoon of Jan. 17, 2024. Stewart allegedly offered to remove snow off of the victim’s car for money, but she repeatedly said she didn’t need his help. Per the district attorney’s office, the defendant’s discarded ankle monitor was discovered in his backyard the following day.

Prosecutors said investigators recovered Stewart’s DNA from the victim and evidence at the scene.

In a statement, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, "This is an extremely egregious case that would have been death penalty eligible not so long ago. The community needs to understand that some teenagers are capable of extremely brutal and horrific crimes and should be punished according to the crime, not just their age."

The victim’s daughter reportedly made an impact statement, telling the court, "I am unsure how I can ever put into words the impact of losing my mother in such a horrific way has impacted not only my life but my family’s life as well. This is an experience no one should have to experience in their life. I will never be the same person after this life-altering event."

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