Tragic Shooting in Panama City: Gulf County Man Kills Son-in-Law, Critically Injures Daughter Before Taking His Own Life

PANAMA CITY, FL - Detectives with the Panama City Police Department are continuing to work with the affected families of a shooting that occurred on the night of December 13, 2024. The investigation has revealed that 67-year-old Newell Mock, of Gulf County, was involved in a domestic dispute in Gulf County. As a result of that dispute, he armed himself with a handgun, causing his wife, 65-year-old Rhonda Mock, to fearfully flee from the home. Mock then traveled to the home of Rhonda’s daughter, Jessica Johns’ in the SweetBay neighborhood of Panama City. 

Jessica and her husband Joshua Johns were inside with their two young children at the time of Mock’s arrival. Mock forcefully entered the residence and immediately engaged
Jessica and Joshua with gunfire, striking each of them several times. The shooting was reported to 911 and Officers arrived approximately 2 ½ minutes after being dispatched.

At the time of their arrival, Mock was sitting on the front porch, still armed with a handgun. Officers attempted to de-escalate Mock, but he refused to engage in dialogue before fatally shooting himself. Mock did not threaten the officers, and no officers discharged their weapon.

Officers were then able to enter the residence where they found 40-year-old Joshua Johns deceased, and 40-year-old Jessica Johns critically wounded. Officers provided life-saving care for Mrs. Johns while other officers cleared the residence, finding their five- and seven-year-old children asleep upstairs. 

Officers and a PCPD Volunteer Chaplain remained with the children until other family members could be located and brought to the residence to care for them. Mrs. Johns was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The Panama City Police Department would like to thank the citizens who aided officers in the middle of the night by reviewing their surveillance cameras and providing statements, as well as general information about the family to facilitate the investigation. We would also like to express our appreciation for those who have come forward offering assistance to the affected family during this tragic time.