Victim: Steven Kruslak
Murderer: Dequarius Stewart, 17
Crime date: October 25, 2010
Summary
Steven was beaten to death with a pipe wrench during a robbery.
Details
On October 24, 2010, Dequarius Devonta Stewart, (dob
8/26/1993), age 17, of Benton Harbor, laid in wait while the
victim, Steven Kruslak, purchased items in a convenience store.
Upon leaving the store, Stewart then beat Kruslak with a pipe
wrench to rob him. The murder was recorded on an outside store
surveillance video. The video shows Stewart beating Kruslak to
the ground with the wrench, then striking him two more times in
the head, killing him.
Two accomplices pled guilty to armed robbery and received 9 and 15 year minimums.
Stewart was convicted by a jury of 1st degree felony-murder and sentenced to life without
parole.
Two accomplices pled guilty to armed robbery and received 9 and 15 year minimums.
Stewart was convicted by a jury of 1st degree felony-murder and sentenced to life without
parole.
Steven Kruslak was born June 11, 1962. He was 48 years old at the time he was
murdered. He left behind a sister. Mr. Kruslak lived in an apartment on Martin St. in Benton
Harbor.
