Episode 671: The Murder of Carol Stuart

May 12, 2025

The tragic murder of Carol Stuart unfolds, revealing a couple's heart-wrenching journey towards parenthood interrupted by violence. As the investigation unravels, it exposes deep racial tensions and significant flaws in law enforcement practices. The hosts delve into Carol's life, exploring her ambitions, strained marriage, and the complexities of her relationship with Chuck. The narrative sheds light on the ethical challenges of the case while advocating for kindness and compassion in the face of adversity.

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INSIGHT

Controlling Behaviors Signal Trouble

Chuck Stewart exhibited controlling behaviors under the guise of protectiveness.
This foreshadowed the toxic dynamics that culminated in tragedy.

INSIGHT

Opposing Dreams Strain Marriage

Chuck Stewart desired fun and excess, opposing Carol's family plans.
Their conflicting visions contributed to marital tension before the murder.

INSIGHT

Racial Bias in Police Response

Carol Stuart's murder received far more police attention than Black victims in Roxbury.
This highlighted systemic racial bias in law enforcement during that period.

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On the night of October 23, 1989, Charles and Carol Stuart were returning home from a childbirth class and drove through the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. According to Charles Stuart, they were stopped at a red light when a black teenager forced the driver’s door open and robbed the couple, then shot Charles and Carol before running off. Charles managed to call 911 from his car phone, but by the time emergency responders arrived, Carol was in a very bad state and would die a few hours later at a nearby hospital.

The murder of Carol Stuart captured the attention of residents in and around Boston, and the story remained on the front pages in the weeks that followed. On one hand, it was a tragic story of a young couple on the verge of starting a family who were robbed of a future. On the other hand, it shined a bright spotlight on the city’s long-simmer racial tensions and the unequal treatment and application of law enforcement with regard to race. And those tensions would be significantly exacerbated when the truth about Carol Stuart’s murder was finally discovered.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Brelis, Matthew. 1989. "Stuart suspect held on charges." Boston Globe, November 12: 1.

Canellos, Peter. 1989. "Roxbury probe is criticized." Boston Globe, November 1: 29.

Canellos, Peter, and Irene Sege. 1989. "Couple shot after leaving hospital; baby delivered." Boston Globe, October 24.

Cullen, Kevin. 1989. "Stuart suspect linked to Brookline case." Boston Globe, November 13: 1.

Hayes, Constance L. 1990. "Illusion and tragedy coexist after a couple dies." New York Times, January 7.

Howe, Peter, and Jerry Thomas. 1989. "Reading woman dies after shooting in car." Boston Globe, October 25.

Howe, Peter, Kevin Cullen, and Anthony Flint. 1990. "Police focus on brother, woman." Boston Globe, January 8: 1.

Jacobs, Sally. 1989. "Stuart is said to pick out suspect." Boston Globe, December 29: 1.

—. 1989. "Stuart reportedly reacted physically to suspect's picture." Boston Globe, November 23: 93.

Jacobs, Sally, and Diego Ribadeneira. 1989. "No wallet, so killer opened fire." Boston Globe, October 26: 1.

Koh, Elizabeth. 2023. "Stuart shooting timeline." Boston Globe, December 1.

Kong, Dolores, and Sally Jacobs. 1989. "Infant of shooting victims dies of respiratory failure." Boston Globe, November 10: 1.

Murphy, Sean. 1989. "Man questioned in shooting still held." Boston Globe, November 7: 17.

New York Times. 1991. "U.S. won't indict Boston policemen." New York Times, July 5: D7.

Rollins, Rachel. 2019. "30 years after Stuart case, Boston still healing." Commonwealth Beacon, November 9.

Sharkey, Joe. 2015. Deadly Greed: The Riveting True Story of the Stuart Murder Case. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

Walker, Adrian, Evan Allen, Elizabeth Koh, Andrew Ryan, Kristin Nelson, and Brendan McCarthy. 2023. "The untold story of the Charles and Carol Stuart shooting." Boston Globe, December 1.

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