My name is Jimmie Staley. I am from Pensacola & I am an advocate for Patrick Gonzalez Jr. Patrick is the only one to receive the death penalty in this case. He is regularly touted as the “the ring leader” or “the mastermind”. I am here to tell you that is not true. This case never set right for me. Too many unanswered questions. I am focusing of the 7 who are thought to be the ones who pulled off this crime. The 8th, Pamela Long Wiggins, was arrested on charges relating to bigamy and helping the perpetrators after the fact. In the documents on this site, it becomes obvious that her charges are suspect, as well, but for very different reasons.
So let’s get into this complex case. Byrd & Melanie Billings, Pensacola residents who had taken in 9 to 13 disabled children, were murdered in a home invasion robbery. There were two men walking up from the tree line separating the Billings house and a church next door. A unique looking red cargo van drives up the driveway, parking in front of the residence. Three men exit the van leaving behind the getaway driver. Surveillance video, installed by the homeowners to keep an eye on the children, captured both sets of men. The red van is, in fact, parked so that it can been seen predominantly in the video footage.
The two from the wood line go through one door and the three enter from the other door. This was a nationally charged media circus case. Whoever handles this case will be a spotlight and have an opportunity to expose systemic corruption that has a stranglehold in the Florida Panhandle. This case was fueled by a corrupt Sheriff and State Attorney (both of which are no longer in power). Information came out in open court that the State of Florida special prosecutor, Russ Edgar had access to testimony and/or evidence that would exonerate Pat a year after his conviction. He declined to even see what it was. A prime suspect in this murder had been arrested on other charges. He offered info/testimony to use as leverage in this case. Edgar refused to entertain or evaluate this evidence.
The State’s misconduct is horribly blatant. I need someone who is willing to take information like this and so much more and pursue actual innocence. The Innocence Project is investigating and that is great but this newest development is so egregious that it really should be followed up on as soon as possible. A man who is innocent has been on death row for 12 years.
Here are some articles I’ve done on this:https://usinsider.com/the-billings-murder-case-a-baffling-verdict-turned-into-a-fight-for-justice/https://usreporter.com/bloggers-pursuit-of-truth-exposes-systemic-corruption-in-pensacola-florida/
I also have a couple of blogs, Conjuringjustice.com & billingsmurder.com.
This case is too important to not address. I hope you find this case of interest.
Jimmie Lee Staley
The Billings Murder 