Two Dead in Parker Fire; Foul Play Suspected

PARKER, FL- The Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a structure fire at 8:54 PM, August 28th on Janice Drive, assisting the Parker Police Department. Firefighters from Callaway, Parker, and Springfield also arrived at the scene.

Deputies discovered a man with gunshot wounds on the ground behind an SUV parked next to the burning mobile home. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Inside the mobile home, which was engulfed in flames, firefighters found another deceased man. This second victim, identified as 64-year-old Edward G. Langston, had a gunshot wound to his chest. A handgun was found on the floor beside him, and there were signs of an accelerant spread throughout the home. Additionally, all doors in the residence were locked from the inside.

The Parker Police Department requested assistance from BCSO Criminal Investigations and BCSO Crime Scene Unit. Initial findings suggest that the two men were involved in an earlier altercation. Investigators believe that Langston shot 51-year-old Jose Carlos Perez, who was found next to the SUV. Afterward, Langston reportedly attempted to set his vehicle on fire using an accelerant but was unsuccessful. He then spread more accelerant inside his mobile home, ignited it, and subsequently shot himself.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Bay County Sheriff’s Office at 850-747-4700.