PANAMA CITY — Plea negotiations in the case of a Panama City woman accused of firing a gun on school grounds to protect nearby children from a water moccasin have met a stalemate.
April Dawn Demarco, 30, turned down a plea offer from the State Attorney’s Office during a hearing Wednesday. The details of the proposed agreement were undisclosed. However, attorneys agreed Wednesday to set a February court date to continue discussions.
“We are still in conversations,” said assistant state attorney Devin Collier. “She has completed her community service at a local church and has undergone a firearm safety course.”
Demarco was arrested in early October for discharging a .380-caliber handgun on the practice football field of Bay High School, 300 E. 15th St., during practice for the local Pop Warner football team. Demarco said she was trying to protect children from a moccasin at the time, and the surrounding coaches were ineffective at removing the threat. She missed the snake.
Police arrested Demarco, and she was charged with discharging a weapon or firearm on school property and possession of firearm on school property, both felony offenses.
Demarco’s attorney and prosecutors said they reached an agreement in her case during a November hearing, but Demarco rejected the agreement. Her next court date was scheduled for Feb. 11.