Stepbrother of murdered locksmith speaks out after suspect’s release on bond

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — John Banks, on the right, is the stepbrother of Randy Stewart Jr, pictured on the left.  

“You know, I’m very sad. I was shocked,” said Banks.  

Randy Jr., who owned Stewart Enterprises Locksmith Service, was attending a service call at the home of Brian Reed Grant on July 23rd, when he was shot and killed.  

Grant was arrested and charged with murder and was booked into the Brunswick County Detention Center.  

Grant pleaded not guilty and intends to claim self-defense at trial.  

In early September, he was released from jail after posting a $1 million secured bond.  

And that outrages Randy Jr’s stepbrother, John Banks.  

“The lawyer says he’s no flight risk, that he’s not a threat to the community, well you’re a liar. He just shot and killed somebody, what do you mean he’s not a threat to the community,” said Banks.  

Originally, Grant was held in jail under no bond. 

Later, a judge allowed him to post a $1 million bond and put restrictions on his release. 

He had to surrender his passport, wear an electronic monitor, and wasn’t allowed near any of Stewart’s family members, including John Banks. 

“My name and my sister’s name is in the court documents. He’s not supposed to come near us either. How did they get my name and my sister’s name? Without speaking to us at all,” said Banks. 

The communication breakdowns don’t stop there.  

Banks says, since July, he’s been in the dark. 

He has attempted to contact court officials on numerous occasions, with no word.  

“He didn’t return the call. I called the prosecutor, then she’s off the case. I called her replacement, who did not call me back,” said Banks.   

As well as law enforcement.  

 “I’ve gotten nothing. No one’s ever returned any of my calls, and that’s just, unbelievable to me,” says Banks.  

Ultimately, Banks wants answers, and is heartbroken he’ll never see Randy again.  

 “It can never be fixed, I mean, I’m going to have to live with the fact that, you know, Randy and I will never be able to reconnect in this life,” said Banks.