Investigator Matt Wingo Raises Questions About Roy Alan Stuart Prison Journal Story
Before publishing my interview with former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen and his handwritten prison journals about convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart, I contacted investigator Matt Wingo seeking an interview and comment.
I did not receive an interview before my publication deadline.
After the story was published, Wingo emailed me several times expressing concerns about the accuracy of information contained in McGowen’s journals. Although one of his emails stated he did not want further contact, he continued sending additional emails outlining what he believes are significant factual problems.
Why I Reported the Story the Way I Did
The messages document that Wingo and McGowen communicated. They do not independently establish that every claim discussed in those communications is accurate.
July 13, 2023 text message exchange between investigator Matt Wingo and former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen discussing Roy Alan Stuart. The messages include discussion of an estimated homicide count and references to reviewing additional investigative records.
One issue readers should understand is the homicide count.
Before publication, I had seen a July 2023 message between Wingo and McGowen in which Wingo wrote:
“I have him killing 14 but that’s light, what we know about.”
However, because I was unable to interview Wingo before publication, I did not feel it was appropriate to publish his estimate as fact without giving him the opportunity to explain how he reached that number.
Instead, I reported what Kent McGowen told me during my interview and clearly identified him as the source of those statements. Throughout my reporting, I repeatedly noted that many of the claims contained in McGowen’s journals remain unverified.
Matt Wingo Response
In multiple emails & text messages following publication, Wingo questioned several aspects of McGowen’s account.
Among the issues he identified were:
The identity of a Texas Ranger McGowen claimed to have met.
Whether investigators McGowen named actually met with him.
The number of homicides attributed to Roy Alan Stuart.
Other claims Wingo believes require additional verification.
In one email, Wingo wrote that several items were “blatantly falsified” and said those concerns caused him to question the reliability of the remaining notes.
My Response
I asked Wingo to identify each factual error he believes exists and, if possible, provide documentation or records supporting those claims.
If evidence shows factual errors in my reporting, I will correct them.
If evidence supports McGowen’s account, I will report that as well.
That is how investigative journalism should work.
Additional Documents Reviewed
Excerpts from Kent McGowen’s handwritten prison journals referencing contacts with investigators and agencies about information he said Roy Alan Stuart shared while they were incarcerated together.
One reason I believe additional reporting is warranted is that I have also reviewed prior communications between Wingo and McGowen discussing Roy Alan Stuart.
Those messages show the two men communicated about Stuart years before I became involved in this story. They also show Wingo discussing an estimated homicide count and referencing continued interest in reviewing records.
Those communications do not independently verify McGowen’s claims, but they do demonstrate there was communication between the two men regarding Roy Alan Stuart and his alleged crimes.
The Questions That Remain
Several important questions remain unanswered.
Which Texas Ranger was referenced in McGowen’s journals?
Is the name written in the journals accurate, or could it have been misspelled or misremembered?
Which portions of the journals can be independently verified?
Which claims cannot be verified?
Are there additional public records that support or contradict McGowen’s account?
I intend to continue reporting on those questions as more information becomes available.
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As with my original reporting, I will continue updating this story if additional records, witnesses, or documentation become available.
More Resources
If stories about cold cases, victims, and investigative journalism matter to you, these books and reports may also be helpful.
📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
📚 While the City Slept by Eli Sanders
📰 Read my original investigation:
Exclusive: Roy Alan Stuart Prison Confessions Revealed
Why I Fight So Hard for Victims: The Story I’ve Never Shared
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