STABBING VICTIM DIES; INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Posted on September 23, 2016

UPDATE: The victim of a stabbing early Friday morning has died.

The 26 year old victim is Sandy James Berlin of  Alabama. He and Jefferson Helton ,26, were involved in an altercation on LaGrange Road just after midnight Friday morning. Berlin was stabbed several times in the chest. He was transported to an area hospital and died Saturday.

Deputies searched for Helton who fled from the scene on foot. He was apprehended Friday afternoon.

Charges are still pending the conclusion of the investigation.

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With the help of a Good Samaritan, a stabbing suspect is now in custody following an incident on LaGrange Road in Freeport.

Jefferson Charles Michael Helton, 26, was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the altercation with the victim. He then fled the scene on foot.

Helton approached a nearby residence asking for cigarettes and water. The Good Samaritan, recognizing he was probably the suspect, acted like he was going to take him the store and drove him right to a nearby deputy.

“We certainly don’t encourage any resident approach a suspect,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “But, we appreciate his help. The situation ended as well as it could have.”

Following his treatment at a local hospital Helton will be booked into the Walton County Jail. His charges are pending the conclusion of the investigation. He is currently being held on his Violation of Probation out of Escambia County.

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Just after midnight Friday Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on LaGrange Road in reference to a victim who was stabbed.

The victim was brought to a nearby gas station by witnesses at the scene and was transported to an area hospital before deputies arrived. He suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and was transported in critical condition. A deputy was sent to the hospital following the patient being transported.

The suspect, identified as Jefferson Charles Michael Helton, 26, of Cantonment fled the scene and is still at large at this time.

Helton has a Felony Violation of Probation for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon out of Escambia County.

Deputies are still in the area of Lagrange Road BOLOing the area.

We ask that any residents in the area do NOT approach him and immediately call 911 if he is spotted.