Teen Finds Dismembered Remains of School Custodian by Boat Launch, Suspect Charged with Murder

Mar. 15, 2025

Justie Stilwell.Photo:Justie Stilwell/Facebook

Justie Stilwell/Facebook

Investigators in Bay City, Mich., responded to reports of human remains found near a boat launch on Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Bay City Department of Public Safety said in astatement. The following day, authoritiesidentifiedthe victim as 41-year-old Justie Stilwell of Bay City.

Bay City public safety officials say Stilwell’s family reported him missing on Sept. 18, just hours before his remains — two arms and lower legs, including his feet — were found near a boat launch along the banks of the Saginaw River.

The girl’s grandfather, John Donaldson, said he initially thought it was a Halloween prank and that the foot looked like it belonged to a doll, per the outlet.

After realizing it was a human foot, Donaldson called 911, and while the two waited for police, the teenager reportedly spotted a hand as well, Donaldson said, per MLive.

On Wednesday, the same day Tweedly was arrested, authorities also allegedly found “additional human remains” believed to be Stilwell’s in another, undisclosed location of the city, they said in a statement.

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The suspect has entered pleas of not guilty to both charges he faces, perMidland Daily Newsand radio stationWSGW. He is being held on $1 million bond, per the outlets. PEOPLE was not able to reach an attorney for him.

source: people.com