Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on September 27, 2018, a Bay County jury unanimously found Demarcus Montrel Giddens guilty as charged of First Degree Murder and Attempted Robbery.
The State proved that on August 20th, 2017, Demarcus Giddens and his accomplices from Auburn, Alabama set up a marijuana deal with local high school students at the CVS Pharmacy on Highway 98 near the Hathaway Bridge. At CVS, Demarcus Giddens and his accomplices attacked the students. Demarcus Giddens attempted to rob one of the students at gunpoint with an AK-47 style firearm. Jason Ian Price, a 17-year old Arnold High School student, was sitting in his friend’s truck away from the incident when he witnessed the robbery. He left the vehicle to help his friend, who was being held at gunpoint. Demarcus Giddens turned and fatally shot Jason Ian Price once in the chest as he rushed to his friend’s aid. The Defendant and his accomplices attempted to flee back to Alabama. They were apprehended by a Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy at the Fairfield Inn. The twelve-person jury deliberated around two hours before returning a verdict of guilty.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Bob Sombathy and Cord Grimes. It was investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Circuit Judge Michael Overstreet set sentencing for October 2, 2018. The Defendant faces mandatory life in prison.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.