Former Baker Fire Chief Convicted Of Escambia Murder; Sentenced To Life In Prison

December 13, 2023

The former Baker Fire District chief was found guilty Wednesday of murdering a 63-year old business owner in Escambia County in June 2022.

Brian Keith Easterling, 53, was convicted of the first degree murder of Michael Evers, 63. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Pensacola Police received a call to check on the welfare of Evers at his home because he had not been seen in several days. Officers entered the home and found blood on the floor, but Evers was not inside. They responded to his shop in the 3900 block of Creighton Road.

Inside the shop, an officer tripped over an item under a car cover, exposing the victim’s right elbow. Officers said Evers was face down on the floor, obviously deceased with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His 2011 Chevrolet 2500 was not at either location.

According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, surveillance video from 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 showed a man later identified as Easterling arrive at the shop with Evers. The victim entered the building and Easterling is seen standing outside the door looking around nervously.

“Easterling actually turns a complete circle looking all around, before entering the building. Within minutes of entering the building, Easterling walks up behind (the victim),” the report states. The victim “then falls immediately to the ground. Easterling can be seen on video getting a car cover and covering (the victim).”

Evers owed Easterling money, according to the ECSO.

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Comments

8 Responses to “Former Baker Fire Chief Convicted Of Escambia Murder; Sentenced To Life In Prison”

  1. Steve on December 15th, 2023 12:37 pm

    If you want someone to leave you alone ; loan them money .

  2. Lou on December 15th, 2023 10:02 am

    Thank you to our State Prosecutors for successfully trying this case and getting some justice for Mr. Evers and his family. Such a shame and loss for both families. Money is the root of all evil.

  3. Dennis on December 14th, 2023 3:11 pm

    Learned early in my adult life to never loan a friend unless you consider it a gift until they pay it back.

  4. Well.... on December 14th, 2023 12:11 pm

    Well, he sure can’t pay you back now.

  5. Mike J. on December 14th, 2023 11:48 am

    Rage and other strong emotions often cause people to not think clearly and logically. Easterling should have realized that he would not get away with this crime. Rest in peace to Mike Evers and condolences to his family.

  6. @ OhYouKnow on December 14th, 2023 10:12 am

    Been divorced several times huh…. Lol

  7. OhYouKnow on December 14th, 2023 9:18 am

    Killing someone is rarely a good option. You are better off just making sure the individuals life permanently sucks, that way you can watch them suffer daily and get the satisfaction you are looking for.

  8. Bill T on December 13th, 2023 11:25 pm

    Whatever amount he may have owed you wasn’t worth your life in prison !!! Of course you didn’t realize that until it was too late!!! Your life is completey over as you knew it and now the reality of doom sets in everyday until you die !!!!!