Tennessee Appeals Court Upheld 26-Year Sentence
The court affirmed the conviction of Girtes Stewart for his role in a 2024 shooting incident.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee has affirmed the 26-year prison sentence for Girtes Stewart Jr. A jury previously convicted Stewart on charges including attempted first-degree murder and seven counts of reckless endangerment.
Why it matters
The ruling resolves Stewart's appeal, which argued that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support his conviction for reckless endangerment. The court reviewed the trial record to verify the legal standing of the original verdict.
Girtes Stewart Jr. remains under a 26-year sentence following his June 2024 conviction in Gibson County. The Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee officially affirmed the lower court's judgment on September 24, 2026.
The players
Girtes Stewart Jr.
He is a 49-year-old defendant who was convicted on attempted murder and reckless endangerment charges.
Clayburn Peeples
He is the judge who presided over the original circuit court trial in Gibson County and imposed the 26-year sentence.
Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee
This is the appellate body that reviewed the trial record to decide the legal sufficiency of the conviction.
The details
Stewart was convicted on seven counts of reckless endangerment involving five child victims, as well as attempted first-degree murder and firearm employment. He challenged the conviction by claiming that victims were not positioned within the zone of danger during the shooting.
Timeline
June 21, 2024: A jury convicted Girtes Stewart Jr. on multiple felony counts.
August 12, 2024: Judge Clayburn Peeples sentenced the defendant to 26 years in prison.
September 24, 2026: The Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee affirmed the sentence.
Legal Context
The ruling follows the established interpretation of Tennessee reckless endangerment statutes regarding the proximity of victims to criminal activity. This decision underscores the state's stringent application of laws meant to protect citizens from indiscriminate gunfire.
The finalization of this sentence provides closure to the local community in Gibson County regarding the 2024 shooting incident. Residents are informed that the legal proceedings have concluded with the original sentencing enforced.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the standard of review applied by appellate courts when assessing evidence for reckless endangerment charges. It serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for firearm offenses involving multiple victims in public spaces.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's legal proceedings in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBBJ TV.
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