DEFUNIAK SPRINGS MAN, PARENTS ARRESTED IN SHOOTING THAT INJURED 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Posted on March 28, 2024

Two sheriff deputies, one in uniform, one in plain clothes with a bullet-proof vest on, arresting a black male with long thick black dreads putting him in the back of a patrol car.
Mug shot of a black male with long think dreads wearing an orange jumpsuit standing in front of a light blue wall.
Mug shot of a black female with her hair pulled back in a bun wearing a navy blue jumpsuit standing in front of a light blue wall.
Mug shot of a black male squinting at the camera with an orange jumpsuit on standing in front of a light blue wall. He has salt and pepper beard with black hair.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A shooting incident that injured a 17-year-old girl leads to the arrest of a DeFuniak Springs man and both his parents on felony charges.

On March 18th Crestview Police Department reached out to Walton County Sheriff’s Office after they were notified of a patient at North Okaloosa Medical Center with a gunshot wound. It was initially reported the wound was accidental and self-inflicted in nature and happened at 408 Commerce Circle in DeFuniak Springs.

Walton County Sheriff Deputies went out to the home and spoke with Anthony Hughes, 59, who claimed he was at the store when the shooting took place. After the home was secured, deputies noticed drops of blood in one of the bedrooms located at the back of the house.

An investigation revealed the incident was not accidental and that Kai Hughes, 21, used the gun to shoot and injure the victim.

On Tuesday, March 26th, Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau conducted a search warrant at the home on Commerce Circle and arrested Kai, his father Anthony, and his mother Audrey Hughes, 54.

Kai Hughes is charged with aggravated child abuse and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. Kai was also charged with possession of a weapon or ammunition in June 2023.

Audrey is charged with accessory after the fact and Anthony is charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence. These charges stem from the discovery that both Anthony and Audrey knew about the incident and were not forthcoming with investigators. In addition, Anthony hid the weapon used in the shooting from investigators.

Audrey and Anthony Hughes were both issued a $5,000 bond. Anthony posted bond on March 27th. Audrey is still incarcerated at the time of this release.

Kai Hughes was issued a $100,000 bond and is still incarcerated at the time of this release.