A man was charged Monday after he was suspected of killing his wife before attempting to kill himself.
JSO arrested Gerard Stewart, 45, days after police responded to a possible murder-suicide in the 2200 block of Cavalry Boulevard on Friday.
The initial investigation into the incident indicated that Stewart had made a call stating that he had killed his wife, Julie Ann Stewart, and placed her body in the trunk of his car.
Once he was observed by authorities, Stewart then pulled his car from the garage and into the drive give police access to the vehicle.
Stewart had ingested a large number of pills in an attempt to kill himself, according to the arrest affidavit, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
He was then taken into custody by SWAT personnel several hours later and was transported to UF Health hospital for observation under the Baker Act.
Julie Stewart filed for divorce in April. The couple was married for almost 20 years, with a nine year old son.
Neighbors said they were surprised to hear Stewart had confessed to killing his wife. "I've never heard the parents argue or fight. They seemed like a really healthy family," said Dylan Jackson.
Kleant Fero, a friend of their nine yeat old son, said he's been passing by the house to see if he can find him. "I wanted to talk to him and see if he was okay, and if he's going to go to my school next year," he said.
Stewart was released from the hospital and jailed on Monday, with no bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11th.
Neighbors said Julie Stewart was a generous woman.
If you or a friend feel like they are in a dangerous relationship that could escalate to a violent situation, call the Hubbard House hotline at (904) 354-3114.