In a story that appeared in today’s edition of the Gallipolis Daily Tribune and on the newspaper’s Website, it was reported that the trial would be postponed until next week. However, Molly Plymale, deputy jury commissioner for Gallia County Common Pleas Court, informed the Tribune this morning that the trial will start at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday with jury selection at the Gallia County Courthouse.
Stewart, 78, Wellston, is charged with two counts of aggravated murder in relation to the April 28 shooting deaths of Gallia County businessman John Paul Holley and local resident Carolyn Merry.
He is also charged with the attempted murder of Merry’s brother, David B. Merry. The shootings, which occurred at the Holley Brothers Stone Quarry near Rodney, were allegedly the result of a business dispute.
Meigs County Common Pleas Judge Fred W. Crow III will hear the case. Special Prosecutor David Scarsella said the State is seeking the death penalty.






