A former U.S. Army National Guard soldier admitted to fatally shooting an active-duty Army sergeant after discovering him in bed with his ex-girlfriend at a military base in Georgia. Natravien R. Landry, 27, entered a guilty plea on June 11 to second-degree murder and use of a firearm during a crime of violence in the death of U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr. The incident occurred at what was then Fort Eisenhower, now redesignated as Fort Gordon, in Augusta. Landry faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison when sentenced at a date yet to be determined by the court.
The fatal shooting took place on the morning of December 14, 2024, at an on-base apartment complex. Landry was on break from drill duty that morning when he drove to the residence. A witness reported that Landry noticed an unfamiliar black truck parked in front of the apartment and immediately questioned who owned the vehicle, raising suspicions about another man’s presence.
Armed confrontation inside military housing
Landry forced his way into the apartment and rushed upstairs to a bedroom where he found Stewart, who was dating the woman at the time. The woman told investigators they were asleep when she heard a commotion. Two children were present in the apartment during the incident, including Stewart’s 5-year-old son. Landry was aware that Stewart was unarmed at the time of the confrontation. Despite this knowledge, Landry fired a single shot into Stewart’s chest. Medical personnel pronounced Stewart dead at the scene.
Federal prosecutors confirmed that Landry knew Stewart posed no physical threat when he pulled the trigger. The shooting occurred in the presence of minors, adding to the severity of the crime. The woman later told authorities that Landry had displayed jealous behavior regarding her relationship with Stewart in the weeks leading up to the murder.
Suspect fled base before highway arrest
Immediately after the shooting, Landry fled the residence and left the military base. The Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office apprehended him during a traffic stop on Interstate 85. During the arrest, Landry threw the handgun out of his vehicle window in an apparent attempt to dispose of evidence. Deputies recovered the weapon and conducted ballistics testing that definitively proved the gun was used in the shooting. Landry later confessed to the shooting during a Miranda-warned interview with investigators.
The arrest affidavit detailed the sequence of events that led authorities to identify and locate Landry within hours of the murder. Law enforcement agencies coordinated between the military base and civilian jurisdictions to track down the suspect. The swift apprehension prevented Landry from fleeing the state or destroying additional evidence. Investigators documented the entire chain of custody for the firearm, ensuring its admissibility in court proceedings.
Victim’s family describes devastating loss
Stewart’s sister publicly addressed the tragedy shortly after her brother’s death, describing him as having been “viciously murdered.” She emphasized the profound impact on Stewart’s young son, who not only lost his father but was present in the apartment when the killing occurred. The family expressed grief over the senseless nature of the crime and the circumstances that led to Stewart’s death while he was in what should have been a safe environment on a military installation.
- Stewart served as an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant stationed at Fort Gordon.
- The victim left behind a 5-year-old son who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting.
- Family members described Stewart as dedicated to both his military service and his child.
- The murder occurred in military housing, typically considered secure for service members.
The case highlights concerns about domestic violence and jealousy-related crimes within the military community. Stewart’s relatives have called for increased awareness about warning signs of violent behavior among service members and their associates. The presence of children during the shooting has particularly traumatized the family, who worry about the long-term psychological effects on the young witnesses.
Federal prosecution and pending sentencing
Federal prosecutors pursued charges against Landry because the crime occurred on federal property at a military installation. The second-degree murder conviction carries severe penalties, with sentencing guidelines allowing for 10 years to life imprisonment. The additional charge of using a firearm during a crime of violence adds mandatory minimum time to any sentence imposed. Court documents indicate that Landry’s guilty plea eliminates the need for a trial, sparing witnesses and the victim’s family from reliving the traumatic events in a courtroom.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not yet scheduled a sentencing hearing for Landry. Legal experts anticipate the judge will consider multiple aggravating factors, including the premeditated nature of the crime, the presence of children, and the violation of trust on a military base. Character witnesses and victim impact statements will likely play significant roles in determining the final sentence. Landry’s former military status may also influence the court’s decision, as service members are held to higher standards of conduct.
Military officials at Fort Gordon have not publicly commented on security protocols following the incident. The base has since undergone its redesignation from Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon, though the name change was unrelated to the shooting. Authorities continue to review procedures for monitoring individuals with access to military housing, particularly those with documented histories of jealous or threatening behavior toward current service members.
