Family members told The Post that the man shot dead after an altercation at Bronx Dunkin was a recent Jamaican immigrant working to support his mother and sisters back home.
Police said Steven Stewart, 24, was found unconscious with a gunshot wound to the stomach at 3559 Holland Avenue after a heated argument with a woman inside the diner.
“He will always be the one who brings peace. Most of the family is devastated. He’s just that kind of person,” his aunt, who did not give her name, said in an interview. “I don’t know why someone did this to him because of a simple question. It didn’t mean that someone had to lose a life.”
According to his family, Stewart came to the United States only three months ago. He worked at Cooler Runnings, a Jamaican restaurant on Nereid Avenue, where colleagues say he “always danced.”
Stephen Stewart was a recent immigrant from Jamaica. Courtesy of the Stewart family.
Employees at the Jamaican restaurant Cooler Runnings fondly remember Stephen Stewart for his “dancing”. Courtesy of the Stewart family.
“He was a very funny guy, hardworking. He’s been here for three weeks now,” said one of the restaurant’s patrons, who declined to give his name. “We’re all so traumatized.”
Police sources said Stewart and his companion left Dunkin’ Friday after the woman became angry that they stood too close to her and one of the men was unmasked.
According to Stewart’s friend, the woman allegedly followed her and threatened to take her boyfriend away. Moments later, a man showed up and told the woman to “follow my shit,” said the buddy, who said he ran while Stewart stayed.
When the friend returned to the scene, Stewart, according to his friend, was dead.
The woman allegedly followed Stephen Stewart and his friend after an argument. Peter Gerber
A Dunkin’ worker claims the alleged shooter “shot the wrong guy” in an argument. Peter Gerber
According to a Dunkin’ Donuts worker, Stewart wasn’t even involved in the dispute.
“She was just arguing for no reason. He was just there, that’s all, just listening,” said the employee, who did not wish to be named. “He shot the wrong guy.”
Additional report by David Meyer