Deputies Looking At Five More Suspects In Double Murder; Picture Released
July 13, 2009
Deputies are searching for five more suspects in last week’s double murder in Escambia County, and Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said he expects more arrests later today. At least two of the suspects were wearing Ninja gear.
Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. and Wayne Coldiron were arrested Sunday evening and charged with the murders of the Billings couple.
Deputies are questioning two black males in Okaloosa County this afternoon, but they have not been placed under arrest. Morgan said they are looking for two additional black males and one white male.
Morgan said a video taken from an area Walmart shows Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. with a child and two black males that are persons of interest. He said they purchased items used in the crime while at the store.
At least five suspects were in the Beulah home when Byrd and Melanie Billings were shot and killed Thursday evening, according to new information released this afternoon by the sheriff. All of the suspects were armed, Morgan said.
The sheriff said at least three of eight children in the home witnessed the intruders, while a ninth child ran for help.
Morgan said three people entered the home from the red van that was recovered Saturday afternoon, while one person remained in the van. The sheriff said during a Monday afternoon news conference that two more people entered the home from another vehicle that he did not describe, while one person remained in that vehicle.
Pictured above: Sheriff David Morgan says this Walmart video shows murder suspect Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. and two unknown black males. They were purchasing items used in the Billings murders, the sheriff said. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elwood J. Blanton
July 13, 2009
Mr. Elwood J. Blanton, 74, beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at a local hospital.
Elwood was a native and lifelong resident of Bratt, FL, an avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener and he liked classic cars. He was a charter member of the Bratt Ruritan Club, a member of the Brick Masons Union, and a member of the NRA. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Grover and Edna Davis Blanton, and a Sister, Theda Harrell.
Those left to cherish his memories are his loving Wife of 50 years, Ginger Blanton of Bratt, FL; three Sons, Terry and Joan Blanton of Atmore, AL, Eric Blanton of Bratt, FL, and John and Jennifer Blanton of Pace, FL; his Daughter, Dianne and Randy Long of Garcon Point, FL; 5 Grandchildren, Nicholas and Jenny Blanton, Christopher and Mary Long, Cecily Long, Aaron Blanton, and Kyle Blanton; a Brother, Elyan and Carolyn Blanton; and two Sisters, Ouida Wiggins and Rene and Mike Godwin.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. R.C. Wiggins officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2009 between 6:00 and 8:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Glenn Wiggins, Burton Wiggins, Steven Hastings, Kevin Brooks, Judson Fidler, Stephen Blanton, Todd Wiggins, Brad Godwin and Josh Godwin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Hall, Frank Brooks, Jud Fidler, James Biggs, Walter Porz, Mickey Petterson, and Jimmy Bell.
Gonzalez Sr. Bond Set At $500,000
July 13, 2009
Bail has been set at a half million dollars for the man accused of tampering with evidence in trying to disguise the red van reportedly used in the murder of Byrd and Melanie Billings.
Leonard Gonzalez, Sr. was held on a $250,000 bond since he was arrested Saturday. Escambia County Judge Thomas Johnson decided that was not high enough considering Gonzalez’ criminal record, and he ordered bond doubled to $500,000.
According to Escambia County Clerk of the Courts records, Gonzalez has an extensive criminal history that includes a long list of traffic infractions, worthless checks, marijuana possession and providing a false name to law enforcement.
The men charged with open counts of murder in the Billingses death — Leonard Gonzalez, Jr. and Wayne Coldiron — are scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Tuesday.
Walnut Hill: Abandoned House Burns, Threatens Two Trailers (Updated With Photo Gallery)
July 13, 2009
An abandoned house on Juniper Street in Walnut Hill burned Monday afternoon, threatening two nearby mobile homes.
The house was already on the ground before the fire, according to neighbors, who said it was destroyed years ago by a hurricane. Firefighters said it appeared someone tried to burn the pile of debris, and the fire quickly got out of hand. It threatened two nearby mobile homes, melting the vinyl siding off the front of one home.
The fire, which was reported about 1:00 Monday afternoon, was reported under control at 1:50.
There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid, Molino, and Century Stations, Engine 519 and Engine 1819 from Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. The State Fire Marshal and Atmore Ambulance were also called to the scene.
Click here for an exclusive NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the fire. The photo gallery shows the sequence of events from before the first fire truck arrived until the fire is nearly under control.
Pictured above: The fire as seen before the first fire units arrived on scene. Pictured below: Firefighters check a nearby mobile home that was damaged by the blaze. Exclusive NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Charged With Beulah Murder; Sheriff Says Like Hollywood Movie Script
July 13, 2009
(Updated 7 a.m.) Two people have been arrested and charged with open counts of murder in connection with the murder of Byrd and Melanie Billings — a murder that the sheriff says compares to a Hollywood movie script.
Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. (pictured above right), and Wayne Coldiron (above left) were arrested Sunday evening and charged with the murders of the Billings couple. Gonzelez, Jr. was arrested in Santa Rosa County and is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail. Coldiron turned himself in to authorities in Escambia County.
“The investigation is ongoing; other counts may be added,” Sheriff David Morgan said of the open counts of murder at a 10 p.m. news conference Sunday. Coldiron was taken into custody without incident in Escambia County about 8:00 Sunday night. He had been in Gulf Breeze, but the sheriff said he contacted his department and arranged to surrender in Escambia County.
Morgan described Coldiron as a day laborer, known to work with car dealers. The Billings family owned a car dealership in Pensacola, but Morgan said that there was no known connection between Coldiron and the Billings. “We have no information that would lead us to believe that Mr. Coldiron had any previous contact with the Billings family,” he said.
Coldiron and Gonzalez, Jr. were being held on $1,000,000 bond each in the Escambia County Jail.
The sheriff said any possible motive for the murders was still being developed.
Gonzelez, Jr.’s father, Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Sr. (pictured left), 56, was arrested early Sunday afternoon for tampering with evidence — attempting to disguise the appearance of the red van seen in surveillance video from the couple’s Beulah home. He was being held on $250,000 bond.
Authorities said he tried to hide damage on the van by painting over it. The tampering charge is a third degree felony. Coldiron and the elder Gonzalez were reported to be friends.
The van was located Saturday behind a shed at Gonzalez, Sr.’s home at 318 Palm Court in the Brent community.
“We are very anxious to share this story with the citizens of Escambia County and the nation,” Morgan said in a Sunday afternoon news conference, comparing the the case to a Hollywood movie script. “It’s going to be a humdinger, I’ll tell you that.”
The Billings family lived in a sprawling, nearly 10,000 square foot home in the rural Beulah community. They had 16 children, a dozen of them adopted children. Many of the adopted children were considered special needs, some with autism and some with Downs Syndrome. A statement released by the family said there were nine children in the home at the time of the murders.
Morgan said that no member of the Billings family was a suspect in the murders.
“The people that were murdered they were good people performing very positive roles in the community,” State Attorney Bill Eddins said. “This is a very horrible tragedy.”
“This is certainly one of the most complex (cases),” Eddins said he had seen “I’ve seen others that rival this in other parts of the circuit, but as far as Escambia County is concerned, I believe this is the most complex I’ve seen in my four and a half years in office.”
The home had an extensive video surveillance system, giving investigators “hours” of tapes to review, Morgan said. The security footage reportedly shows the suspects dressed in black and entering the home through multiple doors and quickly carrying out the crime. The entire incident happened in only nine minutes, Morgan said. The Billings were found shot multiple times in the bedroom of their home.
Pictured top: Byrd and Melanie Billings were reportedly found shot to death in Beulah Thursday night. Pictured top inset: Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Sr. who was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence in the case. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Can You Hear Me Now? Alltel Is Gone
July 13, 2009
The transition from Alltel to Verizon Wireless is complete in North Escambia and surrounding areas.
Alltel customers are now officially Verizon customers, and can use verizonwireless.com to access their accounts, according to a company spokesperson. Verizon will honor former Alltel contracts — meaning that customers will generally see no change to their service, contract periods or monthly bill amount.
Alltel stores across the area were rebranded as Verizon stores over the weekend.
Verizon acquired Alltel in a $28 billion merger in January, making Verizon the largest wireless company in the nation.
Pictured above: The Alltel store in Atmore was rebranded as a Verizon store over the weekend as the official switch from Alltel to Verizon occurred in the South. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Woman Injured In Motorcycle Accident
July 13, 2009
One person was injured in a motorcycle accident near Bay Springs Sunday evening.
The accident happened on Highway 99, between Sunrise Trail and Highway 97A, about 6:15 p.m. Sunday. The female operator of the motorcycle reportedly lost control and ran off the road.
She was transported to a Pensacola hospital by LifeFlight. Her condition was not known.
Authorities said she was not wearing her helmet. The motorcycle had reportedly been removed from the crash site before the fire emergency personnel arrived on scene.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the call.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP. Further details were not available.
Pictured above: The victim in a motorcycle accident is loaded into LifeFlight Sunday evening on Highway 99 near Bay Springs. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Rotary Clubs Name Leadership; Bo Brantley To Lead Local Rotary Club
July 13, 2009
Combined Rotary of Pensacola has named new leadership, including Bo Brantley as president of the Tri-Cities Rotary Club. Tri-Cities includes Century, Flomaton and Jay.
Combined Rotary of Pensacola President Ed Boywid is retiring after spending three years as assistant governor for District 6940 and two years as president of the group.
His successor is Leon Hirsh, second year assistant governor for Area 2. Ted Kirchharr has been named assistant governor for Area 1 and will serve as secretary of Combined Rotary of Pensacola.
Combined Rotary of Pensacola consists of the two assistant governors and 13 club presidents. Incoming presidents are: Pam Langham, Gulf Breeze; Bo Brantley, Tri-Cities (Flomaton-Century-Jay); Fran Crumpton, Pensacola North; Kelley Thompson, Perdido; Margarett Stopp, Pensacola; John Hutchinson, Five Flags; Lisa Weeks, Pace; Tracy Allen, Milton; Marie Adams, Cordova; Charles Thomas, Cantonment; Rick Lambert, Suburban West; Michael Whitaker, Navarre; and Jay Overman, Seville.
Ron Richards, Pensacola, completed his one year term as district governor for 2008-2009 by attending Rotary’s 100th International Convention in Birmingham, England.
The Tri-Cities Rotary Club meets each Wednesday upstairs at the Escambia County Bank in Flomaton. Prospective members are welcome.
Tri-County Beats Destin In Senior Baseball
July 13, 2009
Tri-County advanced in Senior Little League Baseball Tournament action over the weekend in Niceville.
The Tri-County All-Stars beat Destin 6-1. Tri-County will take on Niceville-Valparaiso at 6 p.m. Monday.
If they win, they will play at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. If they lose, they will be back in Niceville at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Pelicans Wrap Up Six Game Series With Win
July 13, 2009
After an hour and 45 minute rain delay Sunday night, the Pensacola Pelicans started the final game of their six-game series against the El Paso Diablos. The game was a close one, but the Pelicans ultimately emerged victorious, 5-4. Both Antoin Gray and Chase Burch homered in the win, and Hunter Davis earned his twelfth save.
Jason Navarro started the game for the Pelicans and pitched seven strong innings, striking out nine in the process. He only walked one and allowed seven hits while yielding four runs. Three of the runs were earned, with the unearned run coming at the start of the game.
In the top of the first, Arnoldo Ponce singled with one out. He moved to second on the hit, but a throwing error by the third baseman gave him third base. Juan Camacho hit a single that scored Ponce, and the Diablos had the lead.
The Pelicans got the run back in the bottom frame. Antoin Gray hit a one-out single, so did Chase Burch, and so did Marcos Rodriguez to plate Gray. The tie was short-lived, however, as the Diablos re-took the lead with a run in the third.
Jeff Vincent walked and came around to score on a throwing error after Ponce grounded out to third base. In the bottom of the inning, Chase Burch hit his eighth homer of the year to tie the game at two.
Pensacola took the lead in the bottom of the fourth, as Lou Palmisano led off with a triple. When Lester Contreras grounded out to third base, Palmisano scored to put the Pelicans up 2-1.
The Pelicans added insurance an inning later, as Antoin Gray hit his eighth homerun of the year, a solo shot that tied Burch for the team lead.
El Paso used the long ball to score their next run when Jorge Alvarez went deep to lead off the sixth inning. The Diablos tied the game at four when Rodriguez hit a double to start the seventh inning and scored on a double by Jeff Vincent.
Pensacola scored the game winning-run in the eighth inning when Palmisano walked with one out. On a groundout to first base, Palmisano advance to second, coming around to score when Lester Contreras hit a RBI-single to give the Pelicans a 5-4 advantage.
Tyler Wilson pitched the eighth inning and allowed two hits, but achieved every out by strikeout. Hunter Davis started the ninth inning and found himself with runners at second and third, but he picked up his twelfth save by stranding them there. Antoin Gray also “saved” the game by making a fantastic catch on a two-out blooper to shallow right center. The second baseman’s outstretched glove found the baseball to finish the game and give the Pelicans a 4-2 series victory over the Diablos.
The Pelicans will have Monday off before they travel to Shreveport and play the first-place Captains for a three-game set Tuesday through Thursday. The Pelicans are one game back in second place, and return home on Friday, July 17 for a Boy Scout Campout Night at Pelican Park.