Thursday, August 26, 2021
Holt, FL — A Holt man is charged with negligent manslaughter following a domestic incident at his home on Wilkerson Bluff Rd. Wednesday night.
Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office were called to 4314 Wilkerson Bluff Rd around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night in reference to a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male victim dead from a gunshot wound to the face.
Ronald Franklin Norris
Upon further investigation it was revealed the resident, Ronald Franklin Norris, shot the victim during a domestic related incident.
During a post Miranda interview, Norris advised prior to going to bed for the evening he had placed several obstacles at his front door to delay intruders from entering his residence.
Shortly thereafter, Norris stated, he heard his front door open. Norris then grabbed a loaded shotgun he had in his bedroom and walked toward the front door.
Upon reaching the hallway, Norris stated he observed his wife of 21 years enter the residence and a verbal altercation ensued. Norris further stated during the post Miranda interview, a friend of his wife walked in the front door.
During the argument between Norris and his wife, Norris has the loaded shotgun held at his hip pointing towards his wife and her friend. Norris further stated the friend of his wife told him he was there for the safety of Norris’ wife.
4314 Wilkerson Bluff Rd.
When asked, Norris stated his wife’s friend made no threats of harm.
Norris further stated his wife began to push the barrel away from being pointed at them. Norris then cocked the hammer of the shotgun to intimidate his wife and her friend to leave the residence they share together.
Norris then stated his wife’s friend grabbed the barrel of the shotgun and yanked it away from him. The gun then went off because he had his finger on the trigger when the victim yanked the gun.
According to the arrest report, a witness that was at the front of the residence looking through the front window saw the victim attempt to push the barrel away and then heard a gunshot.
Norris was arrested for Negligent Homicide, transported to the Okaloosa County Jail where he remains with no bond at this time.