Fort Walton Teenager Arrested In Billings Murder

According to investigators, 16-year-old Rakeem Florence said he was armed when he took part in the home invasion that lead to the shooting deaths of Byrd & Melanie Billings.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: July 15, 2009

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The Escambia County Sheriff's Office has identified the 16-year-old they say was involved in the robbery and murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

According to the probable cause statement obtained by News 5, 16-year-old Rakeem Florence of Fort Walton Beach confessed to taking part in the home invasion and that he was armed.

The Billings, who are well known for adopting special needs children, were shot to death in their Beulah home Thursday night. Eight of their children were home at the time. None of them were injured.

The probable cause statement says the suspects were in and out of the house in approximately four minutes.

The Sheriff's Office has arrested six other suspects, Leonard Gonzalez Sr., Leonard Gonzalez Jr, Wayne Coldiron, Gary Sumner, Donald Stallworth, and Fredrick Thornton. State Attorney Bill Eddins says he will charge all seven suspects with capital murder.