FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 15, 2013

Seminole County Grand Jury Issues

First-degree Felony Murder Indictment in Infant's Death

            The Seminole County Grand Jury issued a first-degree felony murder indictment today (Aug. 15) against Joshua Raymond Stuart, 26, for the July 18, 2013, death of his 11-week old son, Eli Raymond Stuart. The grand jury also indicted Stuart for aggravated child abuse, said Assistant State Attorney Stacey Salmons.

            Paramedics were called to the child’s home at 1987 Corporate Square, Longwood, on July 11 because the baby had stopped breathing. His death seven days later at Arnold Palmer Hospital was ruled a homicide due to head and neck trauma, according to the medical examiner’s report. Stuart was arrested on July 12 on the aggravated child abuse charge by Seminole County Sheriff’s Office investigators. He has been held in the Seminole County Jail since then.

            The grand jury heard testimony from three Seminole County Sheriff's Office Investigators and the Associate Medical Examiner before returning with the indictment, Salmons said.