"Highly unlikely" the same man says CCSO
Georgia murder suspect ruled out for Lake City shooting
"Highly unlikely" the same man says CCSO
Georgia murder suspect ruled out for Lake City shooting
Detectives with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office are no longer looking at Daymon Heard, 20, as a suspect in the homicide of Linda Raulerson. Heard was charged in the Lake Park, Georgia shooting death of a convenience store clerk on July 30 after he was located in Jacksonville and arrested on drug charges.
"There are certainly similarities in the two homicides – the one is Lake Park, Georgia and the one here in Columbia County – but further investigation shows it is highly unlikely Daymon Heard is responsible for the shooting death of Mrs. Linda Raulerson on July 22," said Sheriff Bill Gootee. "Our detectives have spent countless hours interviewing family and friends to determine if he might be our suspect, but the pieces are simply not fitting together to complete this puzzle."
"We will not rule anything out at this time, but we feel very comfortable he is not the man responsible for the cold-blooded murder of Mrs. Raulerson," said Sheriff Gootee. "Our investigation has not stopped and we have worked hard not to get tunnel vision on Mr. Heard."
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386-754-7099. You will remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
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Murder suspect caught in Jacksonville
Suspected in Georgia, Lake City shootings
The man police have named a possible suspect in several robbery murders is in custody in Duval County today. Investigators received a tip that Daymon Heard was headed to Jacksonville to stay with a girlfriend. They staked out the home and arrested him just after 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Detectives with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office are actively looking at Heard, 20, as a suspect in the homicide of Linda Raulerson.
Heard was named a suspect in the Lake Park, Georgia shooting death of a convenience store clerk earlier this week. ( see story below) While there are similarities in the two crimes, there is nothing definitive at this point.
"At this point we cannot rule anything out:" said Sheriff Bill Gootee. "It is equally important for us to prove or disprove Mr. Heard’s involvement in the murder of Mrs. Raulerson and that will take time."
Heard is being held for extradition and is being charged with murder, burglary, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Georgia robbery, murder could have ties to Lake City case
LOWNDES COUNTY, GA - The murder of a convenient store employee in Lake Park, Georgia Wednesday is eerily similar to the shooting of a Lake City woman last week.
Investigators are looking into whether suspect Daymon Heard could be the same man who shot and killed Linda Raulerson on July 22. Raulerson, 56, was working alone at the Joy America Food Store on US Highway 441 and Interstate 10.
The Lake Park shooting happened at the Triangle Foods Store on Highway 41 about 50 miles north of Lake City via the interstate. Surveillance cameras show the suspect shooting clerk Jay Patel, 48, multiple times then taking money from the register. The suspect left, only to return to step over the mortally wounded Patel to steal cigarettes.
Heard, 20, of Valdosta, Georgia, was named as a suspect after being identified by investigators. He is also wanted in the robbery of another store.
