Grand Jury Indicts Mother In Death Of Malnourished 5-Year-Old Found Dead In Bay
March 27, 2026
The woman accused of murdering her 5-year-old son before throwing his body into Perdido Bay has been indicted.
On Thursday, an Escambia County grand jury indicted Jalynda Karie Smith on the charges of first degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The boy, found dead in a trash bag, was malnourished, dehydrated and weighed just 20 pounds, according to an arrest report. Smith was arrested just a few hours later.
Smith and the child were reported missing by family members who had not heard from them for several days.
The search took a grim turn on the morning of February 6, when a passerby reported finding a black trash bag along the waterline of Perdido Bay near the 9600 block of Lillian Highway. Investigators who responded to the scene discovered the body of a small boy wrapped in blankets and towels inside the bag.
Evidence of Neglect
An autopsy revealed that while the child was approximately 3 feet, 4 inches tall, he weighed only 20 pounds. Medical examiners noted that the child appeared severely emaciated, malnourished, and dehydrated. A pediatrician who had previously treated the child told investigators that losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months was “incredibly concerning” and suggested either starvation or severe medical neglect.
During a search of Smith’s apartment at the Moorings complex on Old Spanish Trail, investigators found the residence to be clean and well-stocked with food. However, they noted the thermostat was set to a chilly 65 degrees.
The Investigation
Authorities tracked Smith to a shopping center in Gulf Breeze, where surveillance video showed her abandoning her vehicle on February 5, 2026, and leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle.
When investigators finally located Smith, they discovered her cellphone and iPad had both been factory reset. Forensic analysis later determined the phone had been wiped just two minutes before she was taken into custody.
Records show Smith had a prior history with the Department of Children and Families, including reports in 2022 and 2025 regarding allegations of leaving the child unattended.
Top photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Celebrates Senior Night With 3-1 Win Over Destin
March 27, 2026
The Northview Chiefs celebrated senior night with a 3-1 win over the visiting Destin Sharks.
Starting pitcher Grayson Burns earned the win for the Chiefs, surrendering four hits and one unearned rn in five and two-thirds innings, while striking out nine and walking one. Bryant Mason pitched one and one-third innings with no hits and no runs, walking two and striking out three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Jase Portwood led Northview at the plate with two RBIs, while Dane King went 2-.
Before the game, the Chiefs honored this year’s seniors:
- Jack Boutwell
- Jackson Bridges
- Luke Chavers
- Cole Davis
- Brayden Gindl
- Gauge Harrison
- Dane King
- Bryant Mason
- Same Reid
- Grayden Sheffield
NorthEscambai.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hubbard and Sappington Combine for Eight Goals As Tate Lacrosse Overpowers PHS
March 27, 2026
The Tate Aggies girls lacrosse team earned a dominant 12-4 road victory over the Pensacola High Tigers on Thursday,.
The Aggies established control early, ending the first half with a narrow 3-2 lead. However, Tate broke the game open in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 9-2 to seal the win.
The Aggies’ offense was led by seniors Taelyn Hubbard and Tori Sappington, who each found the back of the net four times. Hubbard added an assist to finish with a team-high five points. Junior Kira Bigalow also had a multi-goal performance with two scores and an assist. Other goals were contributed by I. McNeill and Trinity Torres.
Defensively, the Aggies were anchored by sophomore Ashlee Edgar, who recorded four saves to limit the Tigers’ scoring opportunities. Tate’s aggressive play was reflected in their 29 shots on goal compared to Pensacola High’s limited offensive production.
The victory marks a season sweep for Tate over the Tigers, following a 16-2 win earlier in February.
Up next, the Aggies will travel to Milton on Monday.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Womack And Day Homer As Northview Falls At Pace
March 27, 2026
Pace 10, Northview 3
The Northview Lady Chiefs dropped a road contest to Pace 10-3 on Thursday night.
Mikayla McAnally went for five innings in the circle, allowing five hits and seven runs (three earned), walking one and striking out four. Peyton Womack pitched one inning, surrendering two hits and three runs, walking one.
Peyton Womack had a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning to right field. In the seventh inning, Daviona Randolph hit a solo home run to left field.
McAnally, Womack, and Daviona Randolph each had one hit and one RBI, while Riley Brooks added one hit.
Northview will host Milton at 5 p.m. on Friday.
Sunny, About 85 Friday; A Little Cooler On Saturday
March 27, 2026
Expect a warm Friday before a breezy cold front ushers in a sunny and cooler Saturday. Sunday remains pleasant with filtered sunshine and highs in the lower 70s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Gradual clearing, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. East wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
ECSO Locates Missing Teen Last Seen At Milestone Park
March 26, 2026
UPDATE: THIS MISSING TEEN HAS BEEN LOCATED.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was searching early Thursday morning for a missing endangered teen lass seen at Milestone.
Adrian Zane Robertson, 14, was last seen about 7 p.m. Wednesday near the basketball courts at Milestone Park on Nine Mile Road.
He was wearing a dark blue zip-up jacket, light blue shorts with stripes, and red tennis shoes. He is 6 feet tall, has black hair, and wears glasses.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Coffee Cup Clue Leads To Arrest Of Two Cantonment Men For Stealing $7,000 In Wire, Tools
March 26, 2026
Two men were arrested, thanks to a coffee cup, following a business burglary in Cantonment where 18 vehicles were entered and $7,000 in equipment and wire was stolen .
James Allen Casey, 46, and Michael Sheldon Lay II, 37, are both facing multiple charges including 18 counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, grand theft, and trespassing.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred early in the morning on March 19, 2026, at a Pike Electric supply and equipment yard on Becks Lake Road. A foreman at the facility reported that trail camera footage showed two subjects wearing camouflage walking onto the property and removing copper wire and tools.
Deputies determined that the suspects gained access to the yard by cutting a chain-link fence. Once inside, they allegedly broke into 18 trucks and stole approximately $6,000 worth of solid and stranded copper wire, a gas-powered drill valued at $500, and a chainsaw valued at $500.
Investigating deputies discovered a fresh coffee cup from a nearby convenience store on the trail used by the suspects. Surveillance video from Cumberland Farms at 392 North Highway 29 showed two men matching the descriptions from the trail camera—one in a camouflage jumpsuit and another in camouflage pants and a hat—purchasing coffee and leaving in a white Dodge Dakota. An image from Highway 29 and Tree Street also showed the same vehicle.
The vehicle was described as a Dodge Dakota with a white front end, white doors with brown or gold bottom, having a dark bed and black wheels.
Authorities later located the vehicle at a residence in Cantonment. Investigators used prior traffic stop records and driver’s license photos to positively identify both men.
Both suspects were booked into the Escambia County Jail with a bond set at $51,000 each.
Escambia Woman Gets 27 Years For Fatal Pensacola Beach DUI Crash
March 26, 2026
A 63-year-old Escambia County woman has been sentenced to 27 years in state prison for DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide for a fatal crash on Pensacola Beach that claimed the life of a Texas man in June 2025.
Ann Passman Killough was driving a BMW SUV that rear-ended one of two motorcycles traveling east on Via De Luna Drive near Avenida 19 about 3:10 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the motorcycle was dragged for almost one block before she stopped.
The motorcyclist, a 28-year-old Frisco, Texas, man, was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Annual GCA & NRYO Spring Livestock Show Is Friday And Saturday
March 26, 2026
The next generation of agricultural leaders is preparing to step into the spotlight as the Gulf Coast Agriculture and Natural Resources Youth Organization (GCA & NRYO) hosts its Annual Spring Livestock Show this weekend.
The event kicks off Friday at 1 p.m. and continues Saturday, at 9 a.m. at the Escambia County 4-H Livestock Facility at 5701 Highway 99 near Molino.
This year’s showcase arrives amid a significant surge in interest. Organizers say the show has nearly doubled in size compared to previous years, a growth they believe reflects an increasing interest among youth in agriculture, livestock management, and hands-on learning experiences.
Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of livestock, including hogs, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and rabbits. For the exhibitors, the event is the culmination of months of early mornings and rigorous responsibility. Beyond the technical aspects of agricultural knowledge, organizers say the projects help local youth develop dedication and responsibility as they prepare their animals for judging.
The weekend is more than just a competition; organizers describe it as a “great opportunity for the community to come together and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
The festivities will conclude Saturday with a market animal auction. The auction allows community members to directly support the exhibitors, with proceeds designated to help the youth continue their agricultural education and invest in future projects.
The event is free and open to the public. Organizers are encouraging families and supporters to attend to celebrate hard work and learn more about the impact of local agriculture.
On Saturday, the event will be concurrently with the annual Blue Jacket Jamboree, which will be ongoing from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m with crafts, a car show, kids zone, egg drop (11 a.m.), and more. Admission is free.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Community Rallies To Support Injured Father Of Three; Here’s How To Help
March 26, 2026
March 2 was a day that turned the world upside down for RJ Bilbro and his wife Maegan of Molino.
RJ, the proud father of two young children with a third on the way, was at work as a roll-off dumpster truck driver for a private company at Escambia County’s Palafox Transfer Station when he was critically injured. He’s still in the hospital in Birmingham with injuries that will impact him for the rest of his life. He’s undergone multiple surgeries, almost every day since the accident.
“He’s improving a little more every day and continuing to make steady progress. We’re taking things one day at a time,” Maegan said Wednesday. “While there’s no exact release date yet, we’re hopeful he’s moving in the right direction.”
Maegan stepped away from work to be by RJ’s side in Birmingham. Maegan has not left his side, spending every night sleeping in a reclining chair in his hospital room so she can be there for him every moment.
With two boys, ages 2 and 4 at home with their grandparents, and baby girl Rylee due in late August, it’s been financially tough for the family.
A community diaper and wipes drive and a GoFundMe was created to benefit the family.
“The donations mean everything to our family right now. They help ease the financial stress so we can focus on his recovery and being together through this,” Maegan said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support, prayers, and generosity; it truly makes a difference.”
Diapers and wipes to help them prepare for the new baby can be dropped off at the front counter at Back to the Rack Thrift Store at 433 South Highway 29 in Cantonment, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (just tell them it’s for the Bilbros) or CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29, on Sundays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. (look for the donation box).