By By Adam Prestridge
Investigators with the Atmore Police Department are examining the events leading up to a shooting Monday evening on Beck Street.
According to public safety director Glenn Carlee, a relative shot 45-year-old John Fitzgerald Watson at 7:41 p.m. at 103 Beck Street. The suspect, whose name is not being released because no charges have been filed, confessed to the shooting and was transported by officers to the police department for further questioning.
Even though there have not been any charges filed, Carlee said the shooting is being treated as a homicide. He said the scene of the shooting was processed as a homicide to gather forensic information to present to the Escambia County Grand Jury.
Carlee said the Grand Jury could dismiss the case should they deem the shooting “justifiable” or “self defense.”
According to a press release issued by investigator Robby Williams, Atmore Police Department officers responded to the “shooting call” at 103 Beck Street. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Watson lying on the floor inside the residence he shared with family members. Watson had a gunshot wound to his chest area and was transported by Kelley’s Ambulance Service to Atmore Community Hospital. Life Flight was dispatched to the hospital for transportation to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, but Watson was pronounced dead at 9:03 p.m. at ACH.
Until evidence is presented to the Grand Jury, the investigation will continue and all evidence will be presented, Williams said.
Carlee said the case should be presented sometime in October.