OGDEN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - ABC4 is learning more about Matthew David Stewart from his family. Stewart's family is telling of the man they know and why they say police practices need to change.
It was back in January that Officer Jared Francom was killed and five other officers wounded in a shootout during a drug raid at Stewart's home.
In an Ogden Courtroom, a judge reviewed motions leading up to his preliminary hearing where Stewart saw his family outside the confines of a prison for the very first time.
Since Stewart's family has not been able to get close enough to touch him since the shooting, today's court appearance was important. They were able to share the same room.
Matthew Stewart's Sister-in-law Erna Stewart told ABC 4 the family was in the courtroom to "Let him know that we love him and care about him, there are people supporting him."
That support extends past the family's efforts to get him a fair trial.
Stewart said, "We are raising public awareness to the harms that home invasions cause."
The family has started a campaign to change the way police do their job. They say home invasions, similar to the drug raid at Stewart's home, shouldn't be happening.
Stewart said, "We want people to know there is another side to this story. Matthew is not what some people have made him out to be."
To spread the message, they have started a website and will hold a rally later on May 18.
They plan to walk from 25th Street Park to the Weber County building.
