Court Upholds Convictions In Billings Murders

November 10, 2012

The First District Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and life sentence of Donnie Ray Stallworth, Jr. for the first degree murder of Byrd and Melanie Billings in July 2009.

At the time of the murders, Stallworth was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hurlburt Field.  The 1999 T.R. Miller High School graduate is a Brewton native

Previously, the court affirmed the conviction and sentence imposed against Wayne Coldiron for his involvement in the Billings murders.

The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments in an appeal by Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. on December 5. He was sentenced to death as the mastermind behind the plan kill the Beulah couple at the their home.

Pictured: Donnie Ray Stallworth, Jr.

Comments

2 Responses to “Court Upholds Convictions In Billings Murders”

  1. Mike J. on November 13th, 2012 8:31 am

    This guy was the only one of the group who had a good career with technical training and experience. He threw all that away when he got in with those low-lifes. He should have stayed away from them. To think that Gonzalez Jr will appeal is crazy thinking. In the past, the Florida State Supreme Court has overturned death penalty convictions like the group that murdered a Pensacola banker and raped his wife. So maybe he thinks he has a chance. But after their utter barbaric crime in front ot disabled children, I hope that’s enough for the Court to keep all the convictions. The Billings home is only a mile from me and I know people who live closer.

  2. DJS on November 11th, 2012 9:32 pm

    None of them deserve an appeal, but it is their right. Prayers answered for all that have been upheld in the DAC. Rest in peace Mr. & Mrs. Billings!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News