Child May Have Witnessed Murder/Suicide

"BONIFAY, FL — The shooting deaths of a man and woman at their home north of Bonifay Thursday morning appears to be what investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office are calling a case of murder-suicide. Officials identified the victims as 47-year-old Billy Ray Coatney and 41-year-old Tammie Renae Coatney. In a press release about the case, which is still under investigation, authorities said they believe Mr. Coatney shot his wife and then himself.

"The Coatney’s biological child is believed to have witnessed some aspects of the shooting. The child went to a neighbor’s house around 9 a.m. to seek help after the shootings took place, authorities said. The neighbor placed a 911 call to summon deputies. The couple’s home is at 2702 Tup McWaters Road, located near the intersection of Flowing Well Road about seven miles north of Bonifay.

"The youngster has since been placed in the care of other family members."

From the Jackson County Floridian...