SUSPECT IN DEADLY SANDESTIN SHOOTING INDICTED FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER
Walton County, FL — The suspect in the deadly shooting in Sandestin has been indicted for first-degree premeditated murder.
Friday, January 26th a Walton County grand jury indicted Gunner Cole, 21, of Warner Robins, Georgia for one count of first-degree premeditated murder, five counts of attempted first-degree premeditated murder, and six counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle.
The charges stem from a September 2023 incident where the Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to numerous reports of an active shooter on Sandestin property near the area of Heron Walk Drive and Baytowne Avenue.
Within minutes, Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies located Cole who fired his weapon in their direction. A deputy returned fire, neutralizing Cole, and securing the scene preventing further harm to the public.
As a result of the shooting rampage, one person was killed and numerous others were injured.
Friday’s indictment is the result of an exhaustive investigative effort by Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit connecting the shooting to the discovery of a body located in a vehicle fire nearby.
“This random act of violence took a man away from his family,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We made a commitment that our investigation would lead to further charges and this indictment is our way of making good on that promise.
Nothing will bring their son back. We just hope justice will take its course.”
The investigation is being handled by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Josh Mitchell is prosecuting the case on behalf of Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit.