PANAMA CITY -- Drug charges have been filed against a man authorities said shot and killed his neighbor while welcoming home his newborn son last week.
Charles Edward Shisler, 62, already was facing charges of manslaughter and felon in possession of a firearm for the shooting death of Steven Justin Ayers, 33. Ayers and his wife had gathered family members to celebrate the homecoming of their 3-day-old baby — born on Father’s Day. But the celebration at 2502 Michigan Court ended shortly after 6 p.m. when a stray bullet entered the home from more than 200 feet away, struck Ayers in the back of the head and killed him instantly
Shisler had picked up a loaded 9mm pistol in his residence, adjacent to the Ayers’ home, and the gun discharged, he told investigators. Shisler was in his backyard at 3708 W. 25th St. by the time Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived minutes after the shooting, according to arrest reports.
During their investigation into the shooting, BCSO found a glass pipe and “shake and bake” kit in Shislers’ residence, which both tested positive for methamphetamine residue, authorities said. Officers filed additional charges of methamphetamine and paraphernalia possession – felony offenses.
Shisler is scheduled for arraignment in August. Court records indicate he will represent himself.