Indianapolis Metropolitan Police responded to a home in the 3600 block of East 72nd Street Tuesday night after a friend tracking a missing woman's cell phone discovered her body in the backyard, according to court documents.
Background
Kimberly Stewart, 44, was found deceased between a fence and an outdoor spa in the backyard of her Indianapolis residence. The friend who discovered the body told investigators Stewart bought cars at auction and fixed them up for resale. He said he had texted Stewart on Tuesday afternoon that he was coming by to pick up a vehicle that had sold, but received no response.
The friend returned to the home at approximately 4:30 p.m. and saw no signs of Stewart, with her vehicle also absent. After running some errands, he texted again just after 10 p.m. indicating he was coming by. Upon arrival, he found Stewart's dog outside—an unusual occurrence since the animal was typically not allowed out alone—and discovered the backdoor unlocked. Stewart's 45-year-old boyfriend, Travis Wolfe, was also not home, which the friend described as highly unusual since Wolfe "doesn't leave here ever."
The friend called Stewart's phone and followed the ringtone to discover her body. Police arrived on scene at approximately 11 p.m.
The Investigation
According to court documents, the friend described Wolfe as a "psychopath maniac" who had been "threatening to kill people yesterday." The friend stated Wolfe frequently carried an axe, often engaged in "crazy stuff" in the backyard, and believed everyone was "out to get him." He noted that Wolfe and Stewart argued "all the time." The affidavit states police were already "familiar" with Wolfe.
Officers located Wolfe driving a BMW registered to Stewart. They discovered traces of blood on the passenger seat and floorboard, along with an axe on the back seat. When questioned by investigators, Wolfe admitted to arguing with Stewart on Tuesday but denied striking her with the axe.
A neighbor provided crucial testimony, telling police he was loading a car in his driveway when he heard a woman scream. He observed a man he later identified as Wolfe swinging a "club or hammer" toward the ground while repeatedly yelling at a dog to "shut up." The witness specifically noted the male was positioned between the spa and the wooden fence—the exact location where Stewart's body was found.
An autopsy determined Stewart died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries apparently caused by the blunt side of an axe.
Key Takeaways
- Kimberly Stewart, 44, was found dead in her Indianapolis backyard with multiple blunt force trauma injuries
- Travis Wolfe, 44, the victim's boyfriend, is charged with murder after police discovered blood in his car and an axe
- A friend found the body by following Stewart's ringing cell phone to the backyard
- A neighbor witnessed Wolfe swinging a "club or hammer" near the spa where the body was found
- Wolfe has an outstanding warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
- The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will make the final charging decision
What's Next
Travis Wolfe remains in custody on a preliminary murder charge and the outstanding warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will review the case and make the final charging decision. No court dates have been set as of press time.