A 40-year-old man faces charges of murder and mutilation after the dismembered remains of a school custodian were discovered near a boat launch in Bay City, Michigan.
Robert Dale Tweedly Jr. was arraigned on Friday in Bay County District Court on one count of open murder and one count of disinterment and mutilation of a body in connection with the death of Justie T. Stilwell, 41, according to court records.
The investigation began on September 18 when Stilwell’s family reported him missing after he failed to show up for work at T.L. Handy Middle School for several days. That same evening, authorities responded to reports of human remains found near the Edward Golson Boat Launch along the Saginaw River.
Bay City Department of Public Safety Deputy Director Rod Schanck said a 16-year-old girl walking by the boat launch spotted a foot in the water and notified her grandfather. The grandfather, John Donaldson, initially thought it was a Halloween prank, believing the foot resembled that of a doll. After realizing it was human, Donaldson called 911.
While waiting for police, the teenager reportedly spotted a hand as well, Donaldson told local media. Investigators subsequently recovered two arms and two lower legs, including feet, from the area. The remains were identified as Stilwell’s through fingerprint analysis.
The following day, Stilwell’s vehicle was located by his family at a nearby park, according to Bay City Public Safety officials.
As the investigation progressed, authorities discovered “additional human remains” believed to be Stilwell’s at another undisclosed location within the city on September 25, the same day Tweedly was arrested.
Police executed a search warrant at Tweedly’s residence, where they reportedly found evidence linking him to the crime. The nature of the relationship between Tweedly and Stilwell was described as that of acquaintances, though further details were not provided by authorities.
Tweedly has a history of criminal convictions, including drunk driving and domestic violence charges. The motive for the alleged killing remains unclear as the investigation continues.
During his arraignment, Tweedly entered pleas of not guilty to both charges. He is being held on a $1 million bond.
The open murder charge carries a potential life sentence, while the disinterment and mutilation charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
In the wake of Stilwell’s identification, T.L. Handy Middle School issued a statement mourning the loss of their colleague. “Justie was a valued member of our Handy family, and we know that this loss will be felt deeply by many,” the statement read in part. “Our thoughts are with Justie’s family and all those affected by this loss.”
The school district has made counseling services available to students and staff in response to the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Bay City Department of Public Safety or Crime Stoppers.