Indiana Man Charged with Murdering Girlfriend Found by Friend Tracking Her Cell Phone

Travis Wolfe allegedly killed Kimberly Stewart with an axe after a heated argument, according to police.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 45-year-old Indiana man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Kimberly Stewart, whose body was discovered by a friend who tracked the ringing of her cell phone. An autopsy revealed that Stewart died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries, allegedly caused by the blunt side of an axe. The friend told police that Wolfe was a 'psychopath maniac' who frequently carried an axe and had been 'threatening to kill people' prior to the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking threats of violence seriously. It also underscores the role that technology can play in helping to locate victims in emergency situations.

The details

According to the police affidavit, the friend of Kimberly Stewart said he had texted her on Tuesday afternoon to pick up a vehicle that had sold, but she never responded. When he went to her home, he found her dog outside, the backdoor unlocked, and her boyfriend Travis Wolfe not at home, which was unusual. The friend then called Stewart's phone and followed the ringtone to her body between a fence and an outdoor spa in the backyard. Police later found Wolfe driving a BMW registered to Stewart, with traces of blood in the vehicle and an axe in the backseat. A neighbor also reported seeing a man matching Wolfe's description swinging a 'club or hammer' towards the ground and yelling at a dog, in the same area where Stewart's body was found.

  • On Tuesday afternoon, Stewart's friend tried to reach her to pick up a sold vehicle.
  • Around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the friend arrived at Stewart's home but saw no signs of her or her vehicle.
  • Just after 10 p.m. on Tuesday, the friend returned to Stewart's home and found her body in the backyard.
  • Police arrested Wolfe later that night while he was driving Stewart's BMW.

The players

Kimberly Stewart

The 45-year-old girlfriend of Travis Wolfe who was allegedly murdered by him.

Travis Wolfe

The 45-year-old boyfriend of Kimberly Stewart who has been charged with her murder.

The Friend

A friend of Kimberly Stewart who discovered her body after tracking the ringing of her cell phone.

The Neighbor

A witness who reported seeing a man matching Wolfe's description swinging a 'club or hammer' near where Stewart's body was found.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will make the final charging decision against Travis Wolfe.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking threats of violence seriously. It also underscores the role that technology can play in helping to locate victims in emergency situations.