Early Morning Panama City Beach Shooting
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Updated: 9:26 PM Jul 6, 2009
Early Morning Panama City Beach Shooting
Bay County Sheriff's investigators are still looking for the suspects in an early morning shooting at the beach. But, they say the victim is not giving them much help with their investigation.
Posted: 6:17 PM Jul 6, 2009
Email Address: news@wjhg.com

Thomas Drive Early Morning Shooting
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The incident happened a little before 3:00 Monday morning on Gulf Drive, just off of Nova Street. According to authorities, three men were carrying out a drug deal in the midst of some beachfront residential units. They say there was some sort of disagreement and the men began fighting. One of the men, a man in his early twenties named Darnell Downs, allegedly ran from the scene and was shot once in the back with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Neighbors say Downs punched out a window a few units down and asked for help. He was taken to a local hospital, and released at 9:00 Monday morning. Investigators say the other two men then took off in a black passenger car.

Authorities spent several hours on Thomas Drive this morning, stopping vehicles that matched the description of the suspects' car. But, so far they haven't found anything. They also say they believe Downs has gone home to Vernon, Alabama, and is not cooperating with the investigation.

If you have any information about this case, please call the Bay County Sheriff's Office at 747-4700.


Latest Comments

Posted by: KupKake33 on Jul 30, 2011 at 12:38 AM

As of this year,one of the guys has been caught<, and has servered 2 years so far. I am Darnell's Sister,I was also with him last mth,during the hearing also! To the young fellow's family,I am truely sorry,that this had to happen ! That goes for all of them, on both sides! I just wish that the little fellow is going down by himself,that really breaks my heart to know that info! If I were him he the other two,would be right their with me! He was so young,actually all of them were!! :-(
Posted by: KupKake33 Location: Bama on Jul 22, 2009 at 11:46 PM

We r from a "VERY" small town it is tragic 2 learn about the shooting.Darnell is my brother and We luv him "SO" dearly.Sometimes in "LIFE",we all have 2 go through things,2 change things.He has been talking 2 the Bay Co investigaters & has been cooperating very well with them.I would like 2 say "THANK U" Bay co police,FBI& anyone that helped/helping on his case!I know/feel that "JUSTICE" will b served "GOD" put people /U in our lives just so justice will/can be served.
Posted by: chimpy Location: porch on Jul 9, 2009 at 04:45 PM

Everywhere they go they ruin everything. They should be rounded up and sent back to their homeland. They are feral beasts not fit to live within a civilized society.
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