Double Murder Update: Santa Rosa Victims Shot To Death
September 23, 2010
Authorities have released the names of two people found dead alongside a road in North Santa Rosa county Wednesday afternoon, and they now say the pair died from gunshot wounds.
The victims were Tracie Lynn Tolbert, 43, of Milton, and Robert McArthur Hamm, 41, of Milton.
“Preliminary autopsy results indicate that both victims in the double murder on Jesse Allen Road died from gunshot wounds,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, public information officer for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s office. He declined to release further details concerning autopsies conducted on the victims.
A resident of Jesse Allen Road called authorities just after 4:30 to report what looked like a large amount of blood in Jesse Allen Road. When deputies arrived, deputies found the two bodies on opposite sides of the roadway. The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office is calling the incident a double homicide and releasing few other details.
Authorities have not determined if the murder happened on Jesse Allen Road or if the bodies were perhaps dumped in the area. The Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the scene, determining that the deaths were not traffic related.
Jesse Allen Road runs west off Highway 87, about 18 miles south of Jay and not far from Central High School.
More details will be posted as they become available.
Pictured: Murder victims Tracie Lynn Tolbert and Robert McArthur Hamm.
Deputies Capture Wanted Felon That Was Subject Of Monday Manhunt
September 23, 2010
The wanted felon that ran from Escambia County deputies Monday afternoon in Century and eluded capture in a manhunt is now behind bars.
Darius Jerel Gardner, 22, of Pensacola, was booked into the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning on an outstanding warrant for escape. He is being held without bond. Deputies located Gardner at a mobile home on Old Flomaton Road just after 11 p.m. Wednesday. He was taken into custody without incident.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a disturbance on Old Flomaton Road near Lake Street about 1:20 Monday afternoon. When the first deputy arrived on scene, a black male believed to be Gardner was seen running into a wooded area.
Deputies established a perimeter around the area and called in a K-9 team from the Century Correctional Institute. The dogs were reportedly able to trace Gardnert for some distance, but they were unable to locate him.
Further details about the escape charge against Gardner were not available Thursday morning.
Man Accused Of Stabbing Pregnant Woman Indicted For Baby’s Death
September 23, 2010
The man accused of the stabbing death on a pregnant Cantonment woman is facing more charges.
Wednesday, an Escambia County Grand Jury indicted Phillip Arnold on another first degree murder charged for the death of the newborn. He was already facing one first degree murder charge for the death of Angela Castella Brown on July 5 in Cantonment.
Brown, who was six months pregnant, underwent an emergency C-section after she was stabbed. The newborn, named Angela Chambers, died just over seven hours after being delivered.
Arnold, 65, of 349 South Chipper Road, fatally stabbed Brown in the chest, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Arnold and Brown were neighbors, and that was their only known connection, according to Sgt. Ted Roy, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the stabbing at a mobile home at 349 South Chipper Road about 8:35 p.m only July 5. When they arrived, witnesses told deputies that Arnold fled into a nearby wooded area. As deputies were arriving in the area, EMS personnel advised they had seen a black male running down the railroad tracks on South Chipper Road.
Witnesses at the scene reported observing a black male known to them as Arnold running from the scene moments before they discovered the victim, according to the Sheriff’s Office. K-9 officers attempting to track Arnold discovered a knife that was believed to be the murder weapon. As deputies were surrounding the area to search for Arnold, he called sheriff’s dispatchers about 9:10 p.m. Arnold said he was at a home at 2473 Stacey Road and that he wanted to turn himself in. He was taken into custody without incident.
Brown was the mother of seven other children.
Veterans John Garrard, Joel Day, Harry Reid Take Honor Flight With Alabama Governor
September 23, 2010
Two Atmore residents, John Garrard and Joel Day, and a Flomaton resident, Harry Reed — took a day long trip to Washington Wednesday on the South Alabama Honor Flight.
The Honor Flight gives World War II veterans the opportunity to tour the World War II Memorial and other monuments in the nation’s capital. Garrard and Day were among 88 veterans on Wednesday’s flight.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley served Day’s guardian — his constant companion — for the trip.
“The American dream would not be possible if not for the courageous efforts of the men and women of our Armed Forces. In this, the most devastating war the world has ever known, American service members during World War II overcame insurmountable challenges in a fight that covered the expanse of the globe,” Gov. Riley said.
“From the beaches of Normandy to the sands of Iwo Jima, Americans fought, won, and made a safer world for our children and our grandchildren. We must never forget that freedom has a very high price – a price that has been paid by our nation’s veterans and their families. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude,” Alabama’s governor continued.
Hundreds of people gave the returning veterans a hero’s welcome at the Mobile Regional Airport Wednesday night.
Among those greeting Day and his governor guardian at the airport was Ava Gurganus, the daughter of Kelly Gurganus, a teacher at Northview High School. Her grandfather, Sammy Day, is athletic director at Northview.
Ava proudly held a sign high in the air as the veterans departed the Honor Flight. “We (heart) PawPaw” — the sign said.
Pictured above: John Garrard (left) and Joel Day return from the South Alabama Honor Flight Wednesday night at the Mobile Regional Airport. Pictured inset: Ava Gurganus welcomes Day back as Northview High Athletic Director Sammy Day (bottom left corner) watches. Pictured below: Atmore veteran Joel Day, his Honor Flight guardian Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and his wife Louse. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Chief Arrested For DUI
September 23, 2010
An Escambia County district fire chief has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested on drunk driving charges.
John Robert Robert Levins, 30, of Molino, was arrested over the weekend on the DUI charge by the Florida Highway Patrol. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $500 bond.
Levins is the district fire chief for the Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. He has been placed on administrative leave until further notice, according to an Escambia County spokesperson.
According to Escambia County Circuit Court records, Levins was charged with having a blood alcohol level of .15 of higher.
Federal Lawsuit Dismissed Against Judge, DA; Still Pending Against Sheriff, Other Officials
September 23, 2010
A federal judge has dismissed two Escambia County (Ala.) officials from an unlawful arrest lawsuit involving a property boundary dispute between the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore and neighboring landowners. But the judge will let the suit continue against the county’s sheriff and other officials.
In October 2009, Joseph Terry and his son Jonah Ross Terry filed suit in federal court against Sheriff Grover Smith, Deputy Bruce Shue, District Attorney Steve Billy, District Judge David Jordan, and tribal representatives Arthur Mothershed and Larry Hammonds.
Billy and Jordan, while acting in their official capacities of District Attorney and District Judge, are immune from lawsuits, according to a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose. The suit remains, at this time, active against Smith and the other defendants.
Joseph and Jonah Terry claim the defendants ordered them to stop using equipment that they claimed they own adjacent to the casino property on October 7, 2009. The Poarch Creek Indians, owners of the Wind Creek facility, claim they own the property.
The property in question was formerly Escambia County 14, which was abandoned by the county following the casino’s construction. Joseph Terry contends the Poarch Creek Indians had no right to remove the asphalt from the old roadway because ownership of the land reverted to him.
The Terrys were both arrested on October 30 by Smith and Shue for trespassing on the disputed property. They filed suit, claiming the arrest was unlawful and “for a nefarious purpose” and that their civil rights were violated.
Ownership of the old roadway is currently being contested in Escambia County (Ala.) Circuit Court.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Videoing Nude Woman In Tanning Booth
September 23, 2010
A Cantonment man is accused of using a cellphone video camera to record a nude woman in a tanning booth.
Martin David Ham, 32, turned himself in Wednesday and was released from the Escambia County Jail on $1,000 bond.
On August 25, the victim told deputies that she was standing in a tanning booth at Club Sun on Nine Mile Road when she noticed a cellphone camera lying underneath a wall in manner that made her believe she was being videotaped. The victim kicked the camera back under the wall, at which time the Ham immediately place the camera back underneath the wall in an attempt to videotape her, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim then placed a trash can in front of the camera and left the room. She called deputies, who identified the suspect in the next room as Ham.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking any witness in the case, or anyone that believes they may have been a victim, to contact Investigator Troy Brown at (850) 436-9426.
Officials said Ham was not an employee a the store.
ECAT Goes Green With New Buses Countywide, New Smaller North Escambia Bus
September 23, 2010
Escambia County Area Transit is going green with 10 new environmentally green buses unveiled Wednesday and new, smaller buses recently put into service in North Escambia.
The 10 new Gillig buses introduced Wednesday are designed to promote a cleaner environment, according to Veolia Transporation, Inc, which manages the ECAT program, and they were a needed upgrade to the ECAT fleet to better serve customers and protect the environment.
The new buses, which were purchased with federal stimulus dollars, will replace 1992 and 1996 models in the current ECAT fleet.
ECAT recently used grant money to replace older, larger buses on their “Route 60″that runs between Pensacola, Cantonment, Molino and Century with smaller, more fuel efficient buses (pictured).
“They are very nice and right-size for now. Maybe if ridership grows they will need to upgrade to bigger buses again one day, but in the interim these are appropriately sized,” Rodney P. Wallace, finance director for Veolia Transporation, said of the new North Escambia buses. He described the smaller buses as “very comfortable and efficient”.
The 10 new buses rolled out Wednesday include features such as:
- Low floor, one-step entry for all passengers.
- Automated wheelchair ramp with manual overrides will replace the failure prone lifts to eliminate lift-related road calls
- Environmentally-friendly LED interior lighting will come with a lifetime guarantee. This replaces standard fluorescent interior bulbs that have to be treated as hazardous waste upon disposal.
- Engine compartment fire detection and suppression system.
- Engines will meet the EPA 2010 emissions standards for diesel buses — a level that at one time could only be met with natural gas-powered buses.
Pictured top: One of 10 new green ECAT buses rolled out Wednesday. Pictured inset: One of the small, more fuel efficient business used on ECAT’s North Escambia routes. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore, Flomaton To Celebrate Homecoming Weekends
September 23, 2010
Atmore and Flomaton will celebrate Homecoming Weekends next month, joining more than 200 towns and cities that will stage homecoming events and unveil historic markers in 2010 as part of the state’s tourism promotional campaign for 2010 — the “Year of Small Towns and Downtowns”.
Flomaton will celebrate a Homecoming Weekend October 22-24. Events will include a special halftime show at Flomaton High School’s homecoming game on Friday night, October 22. Open houses are planned at the brand new Flomaton Library, the award-winning Turtle Point Science Center, the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum, the Flomaton Fire Department and the Flomaton Chamber of Commerce.
Area churches are being asked to move their homecoming celebrations to the weekend, and the First Baptist Church has already done so, according to Betty Jones, chairperson of the Flomaton 2010 Committee. The weekend will also feature a car show at Flomaton’s Lions Park, a vendors area downtown, music and more.
“We want everyone to come home to celebrate small towns and downtowns with us — the places we grew up and the backbone of the country we call home,” Jones said.
Vendor applications will be available at Flomaton’s Welcome Center for those interesting in selling their wares on October 23.
Atmore will take part in the Year of Small Towns and Downtowns with the annual Williams Station Day on October 23.
During Williams Station Day, Atmore residents and guests will turn back their clocks to 1866 when their community was named Williams Station – just a supply stop along the Mobile & Great Northern railroad. It was a simpler time, when life revolved around the railroads and folks marked time by the sound of the steam engines chugging through town or the whistle of the local lumber mill. We hope you’ll join us in Atmore for this regional festival that promises a fun day of family entertainment.
Williams Station Day is packed with great venues to fit every taste. For the young and young at heart we offer an old fashioned sampling of southern heritage seasoned with the blues, arts and crafts, cane milling and railroad memorabilia.
Williams Station Day will be October 23 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. To learn more, visit www.atmorechamber.com.
Brewton participated in the Great Alabama Homecoming back on June 19 at Burnt Corn Creek Park with the Alabama Blueberry Festival.
Statewide, Alabama homecoming events will continue through mid-December. Historic markers written by local historians and provided by the Alabama Tourism Department will be unveiled at the events.
“As someone who grew up in a small town in Alabama, I know there’s something special about them. They have a unique character and charm. But in Alabama, even our bigger cities have a small town feel. As Alabamians, we’re truly fortunate that many of our hometowns really are like Mayberry,” said Alabama Governor Bob Riley, referring to the fictitious small town that was the setting of the “Andy Griffith Show”.
A total of 215 communities, ranging in size from Mooresville, population 54, to Birmingham, population 300,000, have scheduled events as part of the Year of Small Towns and Downtowns.
“It’s going to be a great time to reflect on the importance of our small towns and downtowns, and I believe when it’s all over, people throughout the state will come away with a greater appreciation for the special place we all call home,” Riley said.
The state Tourism Department has posted a list of towns and event dates on its homecoming web site at www.alabamahomecoming.com.
Pictured above: Alabama Governor Bob Riley announces The Great Alabama Homecoming. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Town Council Candidates File Financial Info Reports
September 23, 2010
Candidates for the Century Town Council have filed their second round of campaign finance reports, providing some insight into their supporters and the expenses needed to gain a council seat in the town with just over 1,000 voters.
Click a candidate’s name below to read their complete campaign finance reports.
Seat 5
Annie Carter Savage
Sandra McMurray Jackson
Candidate Annie Carter Savage had raised the most dollars by the end of the most recent reporting period, with $1,095 contributed to her campaign. Her opponent, Sandra McMurray-Jackson, had raised no money during the same period. Both women are candidates for the seat currently held by Sharon Scott, who is not seeking re-election.
Savage’s largest reported contributions were $200 each from Century Mayor Freddie McCall, his wife Margie and his daughter Sonja McCall. Other contributions were from Julie Booth Moran ($100), Lloyd Savage ($10), Annie Carter Savage ($200) and Lomonica Savage Shoemo ($100), Benny Barnes ($35), and Marilyn Robinson ($50).
Savage reported spending just $31 in the second finance reporting period of August 28-September 10. The funds were spent for gas, according to her filings with the Supervisor of Elections.
McMurray-Jackson reported receiving no contributions during the reporting period and $75 total since she qualified. She first reported spending $255.60 on campaign signs on September 18, but then amended her filing to remove the expenditure that was outside the August 28-September 10 reporting period.
Seat 3
Henry Hawkins
Jacke Johnston
Robert Lasher
Candidate Robert Lasher has reported $595 in total contributions to his campaign — all of which were prior to the most recent reporting period. His largest contributor was Century Council President Ann Brooks with $250. During the August 28-September 10 period, Lasher reported receiving $65 of in-kind contributions in the form of campaign sign stakes from Ken McMurry of Century and Bo Brantly of Flomaton.
During the August 28-September 10 reporting period, candidate Jacke Johnston reported $375 in contributions — all from John B. Johnston. She reported a $374.50 expenditure for campaign signs.
Incumbent Henry Hawkins reported zero contributions during the reporting period, and expenditures of $64.50 for “labels for signs”.
Pictured top: A group of political signs near Showalter Park in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.