A man from Michigan is facing charges for the alleged murder of a man whose dismembered body parts were discovered in different locations. Robert Dale Tweedly Jr., 40, is charged with open murder and dismemberment and mutilation of a body in connection with the death of 41-year-old Justie Stilwell.
Stilwell, a custodian at a middle school in Bay City, was reported missing by his family on September 18 after he failed to show up for work for several days. His remains were discovered hours later when a young girl found a severed human foot in the Saginaw River near the Edward M. Golson Boat Launch.
The girl’s grandfather, John Donaldson, initially thought it was a Halloween prank. He told MLive Media Group, “I went down there, and it initially looked like a doll’s foot.” Donaldson, a Bay City resident, added that he had often wondered about the possibility of bodies in the river.
Following the gruesome discovery, a homicide investigation was initiated. Additional body parts, including arms and legs, were recovered and identified as Stilwell’s through fingerprint analysis. Stilwell’s vehicle was found in a park across the river, and a search of Tweedly’s home yielded evidence linking him to the crime, according to authorities.
Authorities also discovered information at Tweedly’s residence about the location where Stilwell’s head and torso had been discarded. However, details about that location and further information about the murder have not been disclosed. The police confirmed that the two men were acquaintances but did not elaborate on the nature of their relationship.
Tweedly was arrested on Wednesday and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile, Stilwell is being remembered as a valued member of the community. Bay City Public Schools expressed their condolences in a letter to parents, stating, “Our thoughts are with Justie’s family and all those affected by this loss.”
Stilwell was also remembered by his colleagues at Handy Middle School, where he was known for his helpful nature and constant smile. His obituary highlighted his love for photography, genealogy, and nature. Tweedly is currently being held on a $1 million bond at the Bay County Jail.