At a Glance
- Flay Rollins faces three murder charges after police link him to killings in Florida and Georgia.
- Victims include a woman at a Tallahassee camp, a man in Valdosta, and a pregnant woman in Apalachicola National Forest.
- All three deaths involved gunshot wounds, and Rollins is held without bond.
Why it matters: The case illustrates a cross-state investigation into multiple homicides and raises questions about how quickly authorities can connect disparate crimes.
A single individual has been charged with three separate murders across state lines, a development that has drawn attention from law-enforcement officials and the public alike. The incidents span Florida and Georgia, and involve victims who were all known to the suspect. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities work to piece together the timeline and motives behind each killing.
The Three Victims
The first victim was a woman whose body was discovered at a 10-acre camp in Tallahassee on January 16, 2026. Deputies found her with apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced her dead at the scene.
The second victim was a man named Walter “Bo” Pettiford, who died at the 3200 block of Skipper Bridge Road in Valdosta, Georgia, also on January 16, 2026. His death was confirmed after deputies arrived on the scene and identified an apparent gunshot wound.
The third victim was a pregnant woman found shot to death in the Apalachicola National Forest. Her body was located after investigators followed information provided by the suspect.
All three victims were described by law-enforcement officials as having been known to the suspect.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Location | Event | Victim | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | Camp Richardson Recreation & Retreat Center, Tallahassee | Suspicious death investigation | Unnamed woman | Body found with gunshot wounds |
| January 16, 2026 | Valdosta, Georgia | Unresponsive male reported | Walter “Bo” Pettiford | Deceased with apparent gunshot wound |
| January 20, 2026 | Valdosta, Georgia | Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office statement | Walter “Bo” Pettiford | Confirmation of death |
| January 20, 2026 | Apalachicola National Forest | Body discovery | Pregnant woman | Found after suspect’s admission |
The timeline shows how the three incidents unfolded over a span of just a few days, with authorities linking the suspect to each crime.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The suspect, Flay Rollins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the alleged crimes in Tallahassee. Additional charges may be filed pending further investigation.
He is being held without bond, and his public defender has not yet responded to requests for comment from the News Of Los Angeles.
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for an alleged homicide in Valdosta before the suspect was taken into custody in Leon County.
Law-enforcement officials have indicated that all three victims were known to the suspect, a fact that may influence the severity of the charges.
Police Statements
“Upon arrival it was determined that the male was deceased with an apparent gunshot wound,” said the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
An LSCO spokesman told the Tallahassee Democrat that all three victims “were known to the suspect.”
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office released a statement noting that the suspect admitted to killing the woman at the campground while in custody.
Information the suspect gave led investigators to the body of the pregnant woman in the Apalachicola National Forest.
Community Response
The community has expressed shock at the series of killings. Local residents have called for increased safety measures at campgrounds and public spaces.
Anyone with information about these homicides is asked to call the Consolidated Dispatch Agency in Florida at 850-606-5800 or the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at 229-671-2900.
The News Of Los Angeles has urged readers to stay informed through its True Crime newsletter, offering updates on ongoing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Flay Rollins is linked to three murders across Florida and Georgia.
- All victims had gunshot wounds and were known to the suspect.
- The suspect faces two counts of first-degree murder and two firearm-related charges.
- Authorities continue to investigate potential additional charges.
- The case underscores the importance of swift inter-agency communication.
The unfolding investigation will likely provide further details as law-enforcement officials gather more evidence and pursue additional charges if warranted.
