WZEP AM 1460 First News Wednesday 03-02-11
WZEP AM 1460
Theresa McKee
With the trial coming up, lawyers for both sides in the Theresa McKee case were before Walton Circuit Judge Kelvin Wells as motions are presented. In the first day, a motion to suppress was considered with testimony from investigators.
Teresa McKee is charged with killing her friend, 44-year-old Stephanie Lockwood in her Liberty Community home in August of 2009. In an initial report, McKee told Sheriff’s Investigators she had gone to the victim’s home carrying a shotgun. Words were exchanged; McKee fired the gun twice with at least one round fatally wounding Lockwood. The 44-year-old suspect fired a total of two shots. Witnesses described the suspect and victim as having an on and off again friendship.
Walton County Sheriff’s Investigator Shawn Heelan took the stand and the court heard an audio recording of the interrogation of McKee by Heelan. He said there was a question of Theresa attempting suicide after learning that her husband, Gerald “Piper” McKee had had an affair with Lockwood. He also talked about a time when McKee took Lockwood into the woods with a gun. He said, during the interview, McKee became argumentative and tried to take over the conversation.
The recording of the interrogation interview had Investigator Heelan telling McKee, “This lady’s face was blown off.” He also says on the recording, “Your own daughter told me you went over there because she was sleeping with your husband.”
McKee could be heard in the recording saying, “I did not shoot Stephanie Lockwood.” She also said in the interview, referring to her husband, “He wasn’t there” and “She wasn’t about to take my husband.”
In the cross examination of Investigator Heelan, McKee’s attorney, Jeremy Keich, questioned the manner of the questioning and a statement McKee made saying she was not going to answer any more questions. The question was whether or not McKee was talking about the interview process and how it was going or if she was evoking her rights to remain silent. Judge Wells said the court will likely have to make that determination.
Champ’s Owner Back In Court
Nick Sconiers was back in court to face allegations over the little horse called Champ. The case has been dismissed by a judge before, but the state’s attorney and the sheriff’s office have brought it back, this time before Judge Wells. Sconier’s lawyers were to ask for a dismissal, but the state has changed the charges to Cruelty to Animals and Confinement of Animals Without Proper Food and Water. This means a delay before they can ask for a dismissal again.
Student Tells Teacher He Has Bomb
A student at Walton Academy told a teacher his cell phone battery was a bomb. The juvenile was arrested and booked into the Walton County Jail. The arrest report says the boy told his teacher, Jeffery Durden, the phone battery he had in his possession was a bomb and asked his teacher if he was ready. Walton Academy is a charter school and offers a second chance for students who are not allowed in the regular public school.
Local Weekend Anchor Arrested In Walton County
Kevin Christopher Character was listed on the Walton County Jail arrest report. Character, who works as a weekend anchor for an area TV station, was arrested for Obstruction Without Violence; Influence/Intimidate/Hinder Law Enforcement Duties; Disorderly Intoxication in a Public Place Cause Disturbance.
Area DOF Supervisors Helping in Orlando
Two wildland firefighters from the Chipola District of the Florida Division of Forestry have been called to assist with the “Iron Horse” Wildfire that is burning in the Orlando area and more personnel as well as fire suppression equipment may also soon be called to assist in the near future.
The cause of this wildfire in north Brevard and South Volusia counties is still undetermined at this point and is under investigation. But it is believed that is has burned at least 16,100 acres and is only at best 25% ‘contained’ at last report. The fire has destroyed 1 mobile home and several outbuildings and camp structures and is/has threatened at least 944 other structures.
The DOF says these two Florida Division of Forestry firefighters from our area are very experienced supervisors and are in route to serve in various roles as needed as part of the Incident Command Structure on the scene.
WCSB Meeting
Florida Chautauqua Center History Museum awards. Christpher Mitchell presented certificates and a cash prize to the 4th grade class at Mossy Head Elementary and the 4th grade class at Paxton, who both tied. He also presented to Emerald Coast Middle School and gave an Honorable mention for art to two students.
Superintendent Carlene Anderson announced the district’s award of the Race To The Top. The district will get funds for their approved plan. Anderson said this is good in a tough economic time.
She also talked about an online voting contest www.youcalltheshotsflorida.com that Walton Middle School entered. The contest has a video made by the students called “Cover Your Mouth” with the name Devin. The contest is through the Florida Bureau of Immunization. The video has been doing well in the vote, but they need as many people to go online between now and the 4th of March and vote. There is a cash award for the winning entry.
As the School Board’s action agenda began, the personnel recommendations were considered. Bobby Bennet was recognized as the Athletic Director for Walton High School. Principal Russell Hughes says he comes with a high recommendation. Bennett introduced his three daughters and his wife. He said he will do his best to make this community proud. With his wife doing the Gator Chomp, some recommended taking back the recommendation, some recommended a raise.
The personnel recommendations also had the retirement of Mrs. Smith from foodservice. Anderson also recognized Scarlett Phaneuf with the Walton Economic Development Alliance. She is a Freeport Bulldog.
Mark Gardner gave an update on the current construction around the district. South Walton, Paxton and Maude Saunders have ADA improvements to the sidewalks. The big green monster, the sewer plant at Mossy Head School, is now shut down and the school is on a septic system. The plant could be used later as the county plans to tie it in with the plant at the Dixie RV Park. The plant was a $600,000 investment, but growth went flat. Freeport Elementary has changed its heating from diesel to natural gas. The school also has a new chiller and a new emergency generator. Emerald Coast Middle School has buildings, a football field, parking and much more. The school is almost complete. Gardner noted the track is a certified track, one of the only tracks in the panhandle to be certified. The school also sports murals of sea life.
Superintendent Anderson asked the board for time to address growth in the district. She asked for a March 15th workshop to consider changes to help with the growth.
Hear local sports at 6:50 am, 7:20 am and 12:20 pm and FRN sports at 7:50am & 3:45 pm.
In High School Softball
Wednesday, March 2
Walton at PDL 3:30 pm
Thursday, March 3
Walton JV hosts Freeport for a DH 3 and 5 pm
South Walton at Cottondale 4 and 6 pm
Friday, March 4
Freeport at South Walton 4 and 6 pm
In High School Baseball
Friday, March 4
South Walton at Blountstown 4 and 6 pm
Freeport at Jay 4 and 6:30 pm
Walton at Chipley 6 pm
The DGE Pro Baseball Season Opener is Sunday, March 6th at 3 pm in Campbellton, FL. The DeFuniak Springs Red Sox take on the defending Gulf Coast champs, the Campbellton Wildcats. For more information, call 850-218-0134.
The 5th Annual CIC Children’s Neighborhood Charity Golf Tournament will be held on March 11th at the Ft. Walton Beach Golf Club with an 11:00 am check-in and noon start. Participants will enjoy lunch prior to play, refreshments and snacks on the course during golf and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the awards ceremony after play. Please call the CIC office, 864-4242 to enter a team.
Obituaries