A Quest for Justice
The Truth Never Changes
On March 4, 2007, Erica Jo Million, 16, died in a Pittsburgh hospital after ingesting oxycodone on Feb. 27, 2007. The medical examiner’s office in Allegheny County ruled her death accidental. Police had charged Joshua Stewart, then 16, for her death and for allegedly giving her the drugs and while Joshua was was found not responsible for her death, Lawrence County common pleas Judge John W. Hodge ruled that there was enough evidence for Josh to be charged with juvenile possession with the intent to deliver.
This website serves one purpose: To see justice prevail in the life of a young man named Josh Stewart. We are not here to spread lies, pass along gossip, or to twist facts. We wish to bring light where there is darkness and we want the truth to stand for itself.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:41 am
This case is very sad. I have known Josh Stewart since he was a toddler. A very respectable young man is what he has grown into, and what this entire mess is doing to him and his family is a disgrace. It is a horrible shame that a young girl died, but why is everyone so quick to place blame elsewhere? Why wasn’t something done sooner in school? Why didn’t her so-called friends help her? Why didn’t her family know there was a problem? One life is lost, should another be ruined to take away others guilt? People need to take responsibilty for themselves and their own actions. I don’t know how some people are sleeping at night knowing the truth. I am a firm believer in “What goes around, comes around”.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
This community that I have grown up in has taught me one thing - as a Black person you can not expect to be treated equally. School authorities and police wanted a scapegoat to nail for this girl’s death. If Joshua Stewart were a white High Honor Roll student with NO delinquent or criminal background (not a negative mark on his school record before this incident), they authorities and the community would have said that this was the wrong person. They would have made sure his name was cleared publicly and privately. To those outside of the city of New Castle, you need to know that the New Castle school district has lost control on drug use within its doors. Students have learned from the decisions of school personnel that they can get away with many serious things. This trend started when Sarandrea would NOT enforce school policy for studens who were caught smoking on school grounds because of who the student was related to. Then when the same “connected” students committed additional infractions, they were consoled for having made “understandable” poor decsions because they were teenagers. However, if a student from the wrong side of town whose parents were not public supporters of Sarandrea or the athletic program, they would be dealt with harshly. We have seen this same mentality last year with the students in the Laurel school district. One student was quoted that they get away with things because they are athletes and/or because who their parents are. Well, Joshua’s father is deceased and neither parent is connected to the “priviledged community” that exists among New Castle High School and its supporters. If Joshua were a star athlete, Sarandrea and the athletic community of this town would have come to his rescue. Don’t believe this? When New Castle High had its nationally ranked basketball team, at one point 4 out of the 5 starters were academically ineligible to play yet they did not miss a single game. Joshua should not be persecutued because he is not an athlete nor should he be the poster scapegoat for all the problems that exist within the walls of the high school. Joshua is a Black teenager with a 4.0 GPA without single nagative mark against him prior to the incident for which he is being persecuted for. New Castle will do everything to support and rescue a NC athlete who has a 2.5 GPA with a number of documentd school infractions and negative comments on their school record. The real criminals are the people who are trying to make Joshua responsible for the decisions of another teenager.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:07 pm
cdmanjeff, I have to agree with you on a couple of points. If Josh would have had family “connected” in New Castle or if he was a star athlete for the school nobody would have seen his name in the paper for this tragedy. However, you shouldn’t try to make this a racially motivated issue. My brother was expelled by Sarandrea following a fight that he had with a BLACK basketball player. My brother was sitting in class when he was sucker punched by the other student and he defended himself. The basketball player was suspended but was allowed to play in the game later that same night. When my mother picked my brother up from school Sarandrea had the nerve to cuss her out because his star player could have been hurt in the fight and possible wouldn’t be able to play. It all boils down to being from a well-to-do family that supports Sarandrea or being a star athlete and that’s all. Hopefully Sarandrea will lose his job along with anyone else that has been apart of this BS.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’ve known of josh since he was a little boy. i could never see him into any trouble like the rest of the neighbor hood kids he was always the one doing something constructive such as riding his bike or on roller blades.I believe that when all this is done and over with, the new castle area should give him an apology over the media just as well as they put his name in the dirt. It is total humiliation, exspecially when you know you haven’t done wrong. And from knowing Joshua from around the neighbor hood i strongly agree that he has done no wrong, and i am here to strongly support him .
April 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I have lived in this town for 8 years now, and i can tell you there is nothing just in this town, its all in who you know and how much money you have, I also know this boy, and i am standing behind him the whole way, because i can not belive he is guilty of this, its not in him.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:40 am
Josh, just know that the truth will prevail. Unfortunately there is corruption everywhere, not only within the NC school system. A similar thing is happening in Neshannock Township. The person in a previous post who said it’s a racial matter was not entirely correct. You unfortunately are caught in the middle of a tragic situation in a town with a newspaper that is too quick to print articles that have either been fabricated by administration, the paper or both.
The other poster also goes on to say that if you were the “Star” athlete or from a “well connected” family this would not be happening. They are fooling themselves - the Neshannock example again. There is a trail of young lives who have grown into adulthood and still have scars from the past. The current administration as well as the Newspaper is attempting to slander and defame these athletes, parents and supporters along with many of the online posters.
Even after several investigations that were found to be incriminating, some members of the school board along with the Superintendent are still siding with the coach - “oh, let’s leave him alone and let him retire in dignity.” After all he’s done, the lives he’s disrupted, let alone one incident that could have proved fatal, and all they can say is let him keep his dignity? The kids involved in this incident have never ever been in trouble, keep their grades high, respect others, but have been targeted by the current superintendent who may rank number one in the US with her checkered past, and her political alliance with the Coach. Like you, the truth will come out, so Josh, know that many people are behind you.
The Truth Will Prevail!
As the NC News and others have put it - “It’s all about playing time.”
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:09 am
After reading the other posts, I do agree with some - the drug problem within the city, and enforcing that has to start at home. Not to bring up Neshannock again, but one of the previous posters talked about the smoking issue. The assistant basketball coach at Neshannock offered a tobacco product to an athlete, and because of the political ties the Basketball coach has with the Superintendent, nothing was done. The assistant eventually resigned, but up until several days ago was still roaming the hallways of the school.
Isn’t this a police issue? Why wasn’t this guy dealt with according to the law?
The poster who commented about Sarandrea verbally abusing the mother on a scale of 1 to 10 compared to what the Coach at Neshannock is getting away with is on the lower end. It’s sad that their egos are so enormous that they thing they are above the law. They are quickly going to find out that they need to be accountable, along with everyone else who has been quick to judge you.
Josh, just keep your head clear and know that they have to answer to God. Their web of lies will get so big (again Neshannock) that it will be impossible for them to undo. One thing I do know - things happen for a reason. We are always being tested by God, and he obviously knows your inner strength and has faith in YOU. You in a way were chosen to finally reveal the corruption within the system.
In Neshannock, this has been going on for over 20 years, the current Superintendent is in her second year, but each year none of the athletes had the courage to take a stand for what is right. This years group was different - no one expected them to stand up to the intimidation. The Coach and super were in for an eye opener when their bullying and intimidation didn’t work.
But let’s remember - “it’s about playing time.” If they could use that line on you, I’m sure they would have tried.
We’ll be watching, and Josh - know there are people out there that you don’t know who are on your side, and will step up to the plate.
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:43 am
Are you people kidding me? Why does everything have to be about color in this town? The problem is that we have a major problem with drugs in this town and so many people wont admit it, mabey if the narrow minded people would take their head out of there a#$ they would realize how big of a problem we really do have!
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I don’t believe everything has to be about color. It is about knowing right from wrong. Children learn at a young age how to manipulate the systems, the systems being their parents, teachers, the law. Where did they learn this? From watching their parents. Parents who are supposed to be teaching their children morals and protecting them. These parents aren’t doing them any favors by not only allowing them to get away with things, but by helping them. There was an incident in Union with a group of students getting into trouble. Again, depending on your name or your occupation, constitutes the punishment. These same parents who will go beyond all measures to keep their names clean, are throwing other peoples children to the lions. To protect and serve. That’s a running joke in New Castle, PA.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I have known Josh’s family for many years. In fact, I’ve known them since before Josh was born. I have watched Josh grow and he has been a good friend of my daughter. I love Josh and his family to death. They are very sweet, kind and GENUINE. That is something rare in New Castle.
The students who went to school with Erica at New Castle know that when her family moved and she had to change schools and attend NE-CA, she had a very hard time. She didn’t adjust well. It was obvious to all around her that she was unhappy. There were signs of self-mutilation. This was a child in desperate need of intervention. Her own family was too busy with their own “activities” to notice and for whatever reason, the teachers and administration of the New Castle School District were either too blind or just didn’t care to see.
But as in all cases in New Castle, someone has to be to blame. Her family raised a stink, students were pressured to come up with some kind of story to explain it all and Josh was a convenient “out”. And obviously, Erica was one of the “chosen” at the high school. It is only those “chosen” students who can do anything from violating the dress code to possessing items which violate the behavior code and receive no punishment at all.
It is time for a total overhaul of the New Castle Area School District. And changing board members isn’t the cure. It is merely a step in the right direction. The personnel who have been placed in positions of control and direct contact with students need changed as well. I do not see any hope for equality in education, opportunity or punishment in the near or distant future.
I am so sorry that Josh has been the focus of the school district’s most recent attack. The reality is, that had it not been Josh, it would have been someone else.
I love you Josh. I wish you and your family the best. I believe in you, and I stand behind you. Things will work out in the end. I know that this does nothing to ease the pain you currently endure, but God loves you and he will never forsake you. Hang in there and relish in the knowledge that love, honesty and redemption are on your side.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
HANG IN THERE JOSH GOD IS BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY AND SO AM I. WITH GOD ALL THINGS R POSSIBLE. THE TRUTH WILL SOON REVAIL IT’S SELF.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Dear Josh,
If you did not do this then who did? The judge had enough evidence to find you guilty! Students at your school or you need to speak up because the truth needs to be heard. That girl died and she was only 16. In high school there shoudl not be drugs going around anyway and especially selling them to make money. She died probably a painful death. It’s so sad that the girl died. GOD BLESS YOU. I HOPE THE TRUTH IS SPOKEN AND HEARD.
April 26th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
HERE WE ARE MAKIN POOR JUDGEMENTS ON THIS POOR INNOCENT KID. WE UNERSTAND THAT WE HAVE LOST A YOUNG GIRL, BUT AT THE SAME TIME HE IS NOT THE REASON WHY SHE PASSED. WHE ARE TALKIN ABOUT A KID THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE. THERE ALL KIND OF KIDS ON THE CITY’S WEST SIDE THAT ARE TERRIBLE BELIEVE ME I KNOW BECAUSE THATS WHER I GREW UP AT, DOING ALL TYPES OF STUFF AND HEREWE ARE BLAMING THIS POOR KID FOR SOMETHING HE DID NOT DO. STOP BLAMING AND START THINKING ABOUT WHO’S NEXT AND WHAT COULD BE PREVENTED. HANG IN THERE JOSH GOD IS WITH YOU HE WILL NEVER PUT YOU THROUGH ANY THING YOU CANNOT HANDLE.
April 26th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL SET UP IN JOSH’S FAVOR AND HOLD A RALLY!
April 27th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Dear Winniebear,
You are absolutely right, noone should be selling drugs on school property, or anywhere for that matter. But can anyone say, 100%, that Josh sold drugs to this girl? Anyone besides the 2 that change their stories repeatedly?
You mention that people should have been helping the young girl who died. What people are you talking about? How many times did this girl use drugs in the past that were “given” to her or that she had access to at home? I stated on a previous post that children learn at home first. Noone killed this girl, unless someone also saw her being held down and forced to ingest the drugs. Maybe that will be the next story to come out. Hopefully the so-called friends of hers have had a very loud wake up call, and will realize life is too short….
April 28th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
WinnieBear, no one killed this girl, it was her choice to take these pills, Me for one dont belive Josh had anything to do with it at all. But i do belive someone gave her pills, i dont know who, could have come from home, friends, or a dealer. But the fact is, this girl was old enough to know that drugs kill, and she took them anyway, she could have had a great life but thats not what she wanted, she wanted to get high no matter what the cost to her. and sadley it cost her, her life. But is is very wrong of this city to hold Josh responiable for it. Unless they can prove with out a shadow of a doubt that he did sell her the pills. which they cant…
April 30th, 2008 at 9:41 am
O.K. NOW JOSH WAS SENTENCED TO 6 MONTHS PROBATION. WILL THIS BE ON HIS RECORD FOREVER OR WILL IT GO AWAY WHEN HE IS 18. I SURE HOPE SO. BECAUSE I KNOW JOSH HAS DREAMS THAT HE WILL FOLLOW BUT WILL THIS LEAVE HIM STRUGGLING TO PURSUE THESE DREAMS?
April 30th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I know it appears that Josh is lucky to only receive probation, but the charges against him are still going to remain with him possibly for the rest of his life. Just something as simple as filing for financial aid for further education will be affected. The charges should never have been allowed to be filed, without evidence of him having possession at any time. As I’ve said before, what goes around comes around. Someday those that have done this to Josh, Erica’s “friends”, the police and school system, will see that. New Castle High School needs this honor roll student, they have enough negativity. Sarandrea not only let down one student, he let down two. Sadly, one is no longer here. As far as the New Castle Police , some of them should look inside their own homes before destroying others. Unfortunately, the Henry’s don’t have the right connections.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:53 am
EDITED: We removed some comments that incorrectly appeared to be from this Admin account along with the replying posts that referenced them.
Please note that it is not our intention to argue with those that post comments and we respect that everyone has their own opinions. Our goals are to present what facts we actually have to work with along with any media coverage concerning this case.
We apologize if it appeared that the administrator(s) of this website were engaged in discussion not based on verifiable facts or heavily founded in opinion.
Thank you for all your support and for your understanding in this matter.
-The Admin
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:41 am
This case is truly about the color of Josh skin, who knows who and money. We hear about it all the time when someone with money or who knows someone gets away with wrong.
Josh continue to hold you head up high. Josh Mom and Step-Dad, keep believing justice will prevail. I will fast and pray for Josh and his family. Resident of VA.
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
EVERYONE THINKS ALL THE TIME THAT JUDGES BASE CRIMINAL OFFENSES ON THE COLOR OF THERE SKIN. IF I WAS JOSH I WOULD BE FIGHTING THE SYSTEM!!!!!! IT IS IN STATISTICS THAT BLACK PEOPLE DO MORE CRIME THAN WHITE PEOPLE. BLACK PEOPLE USUALLY DO CRIME ON BLACK PEOPLE. I AM NOT RACIST AT ALL IT IS SAD THAT OUR COUNTRY IS LIKE THAT THOUGH. THERE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THAT MUCH VIOLENCE ANYWHERE ESPECIALLY OUR CITIES. HE IS LUCKY THOUGH HE GOT PROBATION COULD HAVE GOT MORE THAN THAT, COULD HAVE GOTTEN LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE OR LIFE WITH PAROLE. GOOD LUCK JOSH. I HOPE THE BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I CANNOT BELIEVE MR.HOLMES WITHDREW FROM YOUR CASE..I WISH YOU THE BEST…AFTER READING EVERYTHING I FEEL THAT YOU ARE NOT AT FAULT.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I WILL SAY THAT THE CITY OF NEW CASTLE IS VERY RACIST N SO ARE THE POLICE. KEEP YA HEAD UP JOSH
May 6th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
TO winniebear. Mr. Holmes did not withdraw from Josh Stewarts case. He resigned from the law firm, because they wanted him to drop the case. Get the facts straight! Read the articles again!
May 7th, 2008 at 8:52 am
He did not have to resign from the law firm. I know that they wanted him to drop the case, but he did not have to leave the law firm. Is he still helping Josh through all of this? If that were me I would have never left because someone wanted me to… I would have stayed.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
TO WINNIEBEAR, IT WAS MR. HOLMES’S CHOICE WETHER 2 STAY OR NOT, HE MADE A GOOD CHOICE BECAUSE JOSH IS WELL WORTH IT. KEEP YA HEAD UP JOSH N MR. HOLMES.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I really dont belive this case has anything to do with race. I think its all about who you are in the comuity and how much money you have. I feel that they went after Josh because his was an easy target. If his name ended in an e or an o, this would have never happend, or if his family were wealthy, nope it would have never happend, its so easy for this town to just point a finger and say he did it. well they need to stand back and take a good look at what they are doing to this young boy. I hope with all my heart that, this town has to pay dearly for what they have done to this child.
May 12th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
To winniebear. Mr. Holmes resigned from the law firm, because they wanted him to drop Josh’s case. So he chose to resign and still help out an innocent victim. (Josh) Mr. Holmes made an excellent choice. Put yourself in his place.
To bdeb, everyone knows that this case is about race! Get real. This is still a very prejudice country. Look around and wake up and smell the coffee!
May 14th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
To winniebear. The judge did not have enough evidence to convict Josh. After it’s all said and done the judge should no longer be a judge. God’s going to deal with this judge!
Josh hang in there. God’s got it!! “Only Believe” Keep believing!