State Seeks Death For 4 In Couple's Killings
POSTED: Monday, October 12, 2009
UPDATED: 5:36 pm EDT October 12,
2009
  Byrd and Melanie Billings were shot dead in their bedroom on July 9. The Panhandle couplewas known for adopting 13 special needs children.
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PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for four men charged in the July home-invasion killings of a Panhandle couple known for adopting numerous children with special needs.State Attorney Bill Eddins announced Monday he will seek the death penalty against alleged ring leader Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., 35, Air Force Staff Sgt. Donnie Ray Stallworth, 28, Wayne Thomas Coldiron, 41, and Frederick Lee Thornton Jr., 19.Another man and a 16-year-old boy have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. A woman has pleaded not guilty to accessory to first-degree murder.The group is charged in the deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings. The couple were shot to death in their home as some of their nine adopted children with varying special needs watched and listened.
Previous Stories:
- July 23, 2009: Pensacola Couple's Daughter Speaks
- July 22, 2009: Details Of Panhandle Couple's Slaying
- July 18, 2009: Fuller Portrait Of Slain Fla. Couple Emerges
- July 16, 2009: 8 Suspects In Custody In Fla. Couple Slayings
- July 15, 2009: Sheriff: Suspects Trained Before Fla. Couple Slain
- July 14, 2009: 2 More People Arrested In Slaying Of Fla. Couple
- July 13, 2009: Motive Probed In Slaying Of Fla. Pair With 16 Kids
- July 12, 2009: Sheriff: Suspects In Couple's Slaying Experienced
- July 10, 2009: Fla. Couple Who Adopted 12 Children Found Slain
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