PANAMA CITY— The area’s top criminal prosecutor is fearful the city’s recent surge of shootings might not be at its end.
On an average year, Bay County experiences about four gun-related homicides, but in less than a month a 1-mile-area of Panama City has been the setting for four shooting deaths, which is “unprecedented,” according to Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Glenn Hess.
“I don’t remember a time when we’ve had this many homicides within a month,” Hess said. “It’s heartbreaking for all of the families involved and scary for the community.”
Panama City Police have made arrests in two of the shooting incidents — all of whom were men in their 20s — with most of the victims in the same age range. Hess attributed the surge in shootings to a proliferation of guns, a cultural glorification of violence and the state’s controversial “stand your ground” law, which can give shooters immunity from prosecution and, Hess believes, may enable shootings without fear of penalties.
Early Monday, 19-year-old J’shun Smith became the fourth victim to be shot and killed in Panama City since late May. Khiry Ross, 24, was charged Tuesday with his murder. Ross told investigators he fired shots in the air as a warning prior to exchanging gunfire with Smith.
Leonard Price, 38, was shot at close range in the yard of a Carver Road home on May 28. Police have arrested 28-year-old Michael Davis and charged him with murder.
Xavier Buckler, 23, and Marqueze McGhee, 25, both of Panama City, were shot and killed at a Millville gas station May 24. No one has been charged in their deaths.
While police have withheld most information in the cases from the public due to their status as ongoing investigations, Hess has been privy to sensitive evidence. And though police have denied a direct connection among the shootings, Hess said video surveillance from one of the shootings indicates an overarching theme of gang activity.
However, the gangs aren’t structured as larger organizations. They are smaller enclaves, out to earn “street cred,” Hess said.
“Larger gangs have more discipline,” Hess said. “They don’t want to stand out. And that can make small-time gangs much more dangerous.”
Hess has prosecuted criminals since 1979 in the office of the state attorney. He took the lead of the 14th Judicial Circuit in 1994. He encouraged the community to come forward with information or testimonies to assist police in investigation and state prosecutors could “set the tone” for those hoping to seek retribution or mimic the recent gun-related deaths.
“We hope it’s run its course, but we are fearful of other acts,” Hess said.