Teen sends disturbing text messages after killing 73-year-old man

A 16-year-old Michigan man was arrested after sending a disturbing text message in which he said he saw a 73-year-old man “take his last breath” after killing his victim.

Kemari Davis has been charged as an adult in connection with the December 2025 killing thomas stewart.

According to Muskegon Department of Public Safety officials, they responded to a home after receiving a report that a man had been shot. Press release.

First responders found a man inside the home with a gunshot wound to his upper body. The man, later identified as Stewart, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s wallet was found next to his body and his pockets were dug out, suggesting the killer had searched his belongings.

An investigation was launched into Stewart’s death and Davis was linked to the crime. Stewart was arrested a week after he was killed.

Police said Davis knew Stewart and was inside the house robbing him at the time of the incident.

“I do believe Mr. Stewart knew a lot of people in his neighborhood, was friendly with a lot of people in his neighborhood, was helpful to a lot of people, so we don’t know what the actual connection is,” Muskegon Public Safety Director Team Kozar During the period press conference December 2025. “Based on our investigation we believe these two individuals were the only ones in the house. We believe the individual who was with Mr Stewart had the intention to rob him.”

In addition to Davis’ arrest, a 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with possession of a weapon in connection with Stewart’s killing.

Prosecutors said they have gathered evidence, including witness statements, text messages and investigative findings, all of which tied Davis to the crime.

Davis reportedly discussed text messages sent after the killing during court testimony. Mobile live broadcast.

Some of that evidence was revealed during Davis’ preliminary examination on Thursday, March 12, when a detective testified that Davis sent a text message to his friend that read: “Old man dead. I watched him take his last breath, bro.”

Authorities said the recipient of the text messages was a 17-year-old man who was also charged in connection with the robbery. Investigators said they obtained surveillance video that showed Davis and the 17-year-old man, whose name has not been released because of his age, meeting outside Muskegon High School on the morning of the shooting and walking in the direction of Stewart’s home.

After his arrest, Davis admitted to killing Stewart in a police interview and said the victim gave him $20 when he was found at the home. Davis reportedly claimed the gun “went off” during the robbery and Stewart was killed. After Stewart was shot, Davis allegedly said he took an additional $20 from the victim’s wallet.

The 17-year-old suspect also testified at the March 12 hearing. His version of events reportedly contradicted that of investigators. For example, the teen claimed he had no memory of meeting Davis and said he was unaware of several social media accounts associated with his phone.

MLive reported that the 17-year-old was arrested on perjury charges following a court hearing.

It was unclear whether Davis or the 17-year-old had entered court, entered a plea or retained legal representation following their arrest.

Davis is next scheduled to appear in court on January 8, 2026, for a probable cause hearing.