OGDEN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Matthew David Stewart could face the death penalty after being accused of shooting and killing Ogden police agent Jared Francom and wounding five others. Very little is known about the Army Veteran, but in an exclusive interview with ABC 4, a grade school friend opened up about his history with Stewart and the memories he has of their childhood friendship.
Alan Gustaveson grew up in Ogden and attended Polk Elementary, where he and Stewart shared classes from kindergarten through the second grade. Gustaveson recalls spending time at Stewart's home, riding bikes, and playing during school recess. "I just remember riding my bike up the street and going to his house and there was nothing that ever struck me as it being different than anyone else's home," says Gustaveson.
In early January, Gustaveson was shocked to find out a kid he grew up with was allegedly at the center of a violent shootout with police in downtown Ogden. After talking with a relative who lives near the shooting, Gustaveson quickly put the pieces together that this same man was once his childhood buddy. "It's very sad to think about how he was the person that I once knew who did this."
Stewart wasn't the most popular student, according to Gustaveson. Instead, he describes him as a bright kid who was quick on his feet. "He just struck me as a vibrant kid, with a good mind. One that could hold his own. He knew how to fend for himself."
Gustaveson says there were no outward signs of problems in Stewart's young life. In fact, after looking at class photos, Gustaveson says by all appearances Stewart had a pleasant childhood. "When I look back at the school photos, I'm looking at his face and he's the happiest kid there."
Stewart eventually moved away and Gustaveson lost touch with him. He says it's hard to see someone who he knew had so much potential take a turn in his personal life. "He was a happy kid with as much potential as any of us had and for whatever reason, things changed in his life and this happened. But I feel for his father. His father had those dreams for him too."
Matthew David Stewart faces 10 charges, including one count of aggravated murder, and 7 counts of attempted aggravated murder.
