Derrick Ray Thompson, 41, appeared in court for the first time Tuesday after being indicted on first-degree murder and armed robbery charges for the shooting death of former Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputy and local businessman 66-year-old Allen Johnson on July 21. Thompson pleaded not guilty to the charges, and defense attorney Kim Jewell filed a waiver of right to a speedy trial as prosecutors explore the death penalty.
The first-degree murder indictment prosecutors filed last week could result in a maximum sentence of death if convicted as charged. A Death Review Committee, comprised of senior prosecuting attorneys, had not yet determined if sufficient legal factors exist to warrant seeking the death penalty at trial. That decision will be made in the next few weeks.
Investigators found Johnson with a single gunshot wound to the back of the head and a spent .380 caliber casing beside his body at his Lynn Haven home. The indictment further claimed Thompson shot and killed Johnson during the commission of a felony robbery with a firearm.
Authorities have released evidence that indicated Thompson was motivated by a quest for prescription narcotics. Before fleeing the state to hide out in a
Thompson is being held without bond in Bay County Jail and is set for an October pretrial conference.