Santa Rosa Man Gets Life In Prison For Strangling His Girlfriend
February 9, 2021
A Santa Rosa County man that confessed to killing his girlfriend and keeping her body inside his home has been sentenced to life in prison.
Jerry Geisler Odum, 61, pleaded guilty to first degree premeditated murder for death of his girlfriend, Vicki Edge. according to State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden.
On August 7, 2020, the Odum struck Edge in the head multiple times with a baseball bat before strangling her to death. Law enforcement became involved the following day after Edge’s family members became concerned that they had been unable to reach her.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office responded for a welfare check. They later entered the residence and found Edge deceased inside the living room.
Odum said Edge had been at his residence for about two weeks. He stated he gave her a $15,000 check for their planned wedding, but he knew he did not have enough money in the bank, according to his arrest report.
After the incident, Odum said he took their dog and rode around for a while before returning to the residence where he dropped off the dog and left for Crestview to stay the night in a hotel room, according to the report. Odum stated that he got up on Friday morning and drove from the motel room back to his residence to “check on her.” He stated that he did not know what else to do. He let the dog out and visited with neighbors.
Odum also told deputies that he removed the license plate from Edge’s vehicle because he did not want anyone to see because he was not ready to tell anyone yet.
After Odum confessed to the murder, he was immediately sentence to life in prison by Circuit Court Judge John Simon.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Today At Carver Park In Cantonment
February 9, 2021
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a 10,000 pound food distribution on Tuesday, February 9 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. Line up on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles.
Pictured: A previous 10,000 pound food giveaway at Carver Park in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Two Teens Caught In The Act Of Burglarizing School In Century
February 9, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said two teens were arrested after being caught in the act of burglarizing a school in Century.
The ECSO responded to a burglary in progress call at the Pensacola State College campus on East Hecker Road in Century.
When they arrived on scene, Deputy Zachary Ward heard glass breaking inside the college, and Sgt. Bill Price witnessed a suspect throw a fire extinguisher through a glass window.
Deputies arrested and charged 16-year old Hezekiah Bell (photo not available) and 18-year old Joshua McCall of Flomaton (pictured) on charges of burglary and criminal mischief.
Cantonment Man Facing Vehicle Theft, Weapons Charges
February 9, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing vehicle theft and weapons charges.
Jakob Gunnar Oosterhof, 28, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
A deputy checked the tag on the Buick driven by Oosterhof as he pulled into the Circle K at 330 Kenmore road and discovered that the vehicle was listed as stolen.
A K-9 search of the vehicle found a .380 semi-automatic pistol, five hollow point rounds in the gun’s magazine and a clear glass smoking pipe, according to an arrest report.
Oosterhof also had outstanding warrants for robbery and battery. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $17,500 bond.
Fog Possible Tonight, Rain Chance Returns Wednesday
February 9, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 58. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Washington’s Birthday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Jonathan David Cotton
February 9, 2021
Our beloved son, husband, father, nephew and cousin, Jonathan David Cotton was unexpectedly called home on Saturday, February 6, 2021.
Jonathan was born in Atmore, AL to John David Cotton Jr. and Kathryn Gail Cotton on March 24, 1985. He worked for Williamson Electrical and loved his job and work family. In his spare time, he loved riding four wheelers, working on projects with his dad and watching his girls play sports.
Jonathan is preceded in death by his Grand Parents, James and Hazel Crutchfield, John and Joyce Cotton, Step-Daughter, Daizee Angus, Aunt and Uncle, Diane and Lamar Smith.
He is survived by his Wife Karmen Cotton of Flomaton, AL, Daughter Kayley Marie Cotton of Flomaton, AL, Step-Daughter, Zoey Angus of Flomaton, AL, His Parents, John and Gail Cotton of Flomaton, AL, Aunts, Jennifer (Walt) Woodfin, Julie (Chad) Miller and Faye Bradley Coover. Cousins, Steve Bradley, Cindy Baggett, Chris Smith, Allison Woodfin, Stewart Woodfin, Raeleigh Woodfin, Ansley Claire Miller and John Edward Miller.
Visitation will be held at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL on Thursday, February 11th with the family gathering from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and friends being welcome from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held Friday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home with Brother Ted Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Steve Foley, Jeremy Wise, Stephen Manning, Chris Smith, John Edward Miller and Stewart Woodfin.
The family greatly appreciates the overwhelming support and generosity they have received from so many in the community over the past few days and ask for your continued prayers.
Due to Covid-19, the family asks that you practice social distancing and face masks are recommended.
Gerald Winfred Woolard
February 9, 2021
CDR Gerald Winfred Woolard, USN (ret.), age 86, a long-term resident of Pensacola, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 5 th , 2021.
For over 20 years he served his country faithfully as a Naval Aviator and Flight Instructor spending countless hours in an A-4 fighter jet. Following his retirement from the Navy, he served his community as a county commissioner and then as a schoolteacher. Gerald was an active member of First United Methodist Church participating in many programs. His hobbies include woodworking, stained glass, and traveling all over North America with his wife, Anne.
He is survived by Anne, his spouse of 64 years, his three children: Craig Woolard (Kathy), Karen Kennedy (Fred), Christy Hart (Daniel), six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Misha.
He touched the hearts of everyone he met and will be greatly missed.
Graveside Services will be held February 16, 2021, at Barrancas National Cemetery. For those wishing to attend should arrive at Faith Chapel South by 1:30 p.m. for the procession. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to First United Methodist Church “Serving the Hungry Program” or a charity of your choice.
FDOH Reports 85 New COVID-19 Cases, No Additional Deaths In Escambia County
February 9, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA
The Florida Department of Health reported no new COVID-19 death and 85 new cases Monday in Escambia County.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 32,101 (+85)
Non-Florida residents: 3,323
Recovered: 30,876*
Total deaths: 563
Long-term care facility deaths : 242
Current hospitalizations: 159 (+9)
Number of tests reported last day: 525
Percent positive reported last day: 13.2%
Percent positive reported last week: 11.1%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 23,870 (+69)
Cantonment: 2,912 (+9)
Century: 1,127 (+2)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 443 (+2)
McDavid: 192 (+1)
Bellview: 55 (+2)
Walnut Hill: 49
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 12
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 16,090 (+40)
Non-Florida residents: 207
Total deaths: 222
Long-term care facility deaths: 67
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 718*
Number of tests reported last day: 280
Percent positive reported last day: 12.0%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 7,733 (+29)
Navarre: 3,227 (+8)
Gulf Breeze: 2,323 (+6)
Pace: 1,278 (+4)
Jay: 498
Bagdad: 31
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,783,720
Florida residents: 1,751,343
Deaths: 27,815
Hospitalizations: 74,543*
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
David (D.C.) Roach
February 9, 2021
David (D.C.) Roach, 82 of Davisville, Florida, passed away suddenly on February 6, 2021 at Atmore Community Hospital. He was born June 23, 1938 in McDavid, Florida.
Mr. Roach had resided in Bratt, Florida for most of his life. He was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School, Walnut Hill, FL and was a retired employee of Monsanto. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt, FL. He loved the Lord and his church family. He also was an avid hunter and reader. He was a Mason with Century Lodge #213. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Lee and Joseph Sands and brother, Joe (Buddy) Sands.
Mr. Roach is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Murph Roach; sister, Marsha (Mervin) Gibson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Delbert Redditt officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 9:30 AM until service time at 10:30 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Gibson, Eddie Roach, Matthew Barnett, Michael Ward, Michael Ward and Mike Ward.
The family has requested social distancing and masks.
Shannon Ellis Edward
February 9, 2021
Mr. Shannon Ellis Edwards, age 53 of Watermill Road in Jay, Fl, passed away Sunday afternoon February 7, 2021 at his Jay Residence. Mr. Edwards was a native of Ozark, Alabama and former resident of Holt, Florida before moving to Jay 6 years ago. He was a Department manager with Wal-Mart in Pace and attended Century Church of Christ. Mr. Edwards loved fishing, hunting, riding his golf cart and collecting guns.
He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Heather Dean Edwards of Jay, FL; father, Marvin (Molly) Edwards of Pace, FL; mother, Marjorie Edwards of Pensacola, FL; sons, Mathew Edwards of Pensacola, Christopher (Hallie) Edwards of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Tabitha (Patrick) Young of Pace, FL; sisters, Jessica Edwards of Buda, Texas; Morgyn (Christopher) Goff of London, England; step-brother, Matthew (Amanda) Weber of Pace, FL; step-sisters, Brandy (Joel) Wise of Pace, FL, Tracy (Ryan) Fowler of Pace; two grandsons, Nikolas Young, Jacob Young, two granddaughters, Madison McGowan and Gracie Edwards.
Visitation will be held Thursday February 11, 2021 from 12 Noon until 1:00 P.M. service time at the Century Church Of Christ in Century, Florida.
Funeral services for Mr. Shannon Ellis Edwards will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday February 11, 2021 at the Century Church Of Christ with Minister Jessie Claunch officiating. Interment will follow in Jay Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers are: Perry Logan, Ed Smith, Matthew Dean, Mike Miller, Joel Wise, Tim Dykes
Honorary Pallbearers: Cliff Lewis, Zack Zulager, George Paulson.