Labor Day Homicide Investigation

PANAMA CITY, FL  – At approximately 8:20am on September 2nd, the Panama City Police Department responded to a parking lot at the City Marina in reference to several calls regarding shots being fired.

When officers arrived, they found Berris McNamee, 42, of Columbus, Georgia deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A suspect, Demarcus Lykes, 38, of Columbus, Georgia was identified and officers began searching for the suspect. 

Through investigative efforts, detectives believed Lykes was in a particular area of Bay County. The Lynn Haven Police Department, Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol assisted Panama City Police searching for Lykes. At approximately 10:13am, a Lynn Haven officer located Lykes and his vehicle at the end of Arthur Drive in Lynn Haven. Numerous officers responded to the area and a standoff ensued with Lykes. Panama City Police Negotiations Team negotiated with Lykes for over an hour and a half until Lykes surrendered at 11:54am without incident.

Based on information obtained, we believe Lykes knew the victim and specifically targeted him. We do not believe this was a random act of violence and do not believe there is any further public safety risk. 

Lykes is being charged with an open count of murder and will be booked at the Bay County Jail.

We would like to thank the citizens who cooperated in this investigation. We would also like to thank the Lynn Haven Police Department, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Fish and Wildlife Commission and United States Marshal Service for assisting with our investigation.

Witnesses are urged to call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100, or they can report their tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS.