Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess releases the following information:
On May 24, 2017, a Circuit Court jury in Chipley Florida deliberated approximately 3 hours before convicting Emmanuel Forrest Lockhart of Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder with a Firearm, Attempt to Commit Robbery with a Firearm and Burglary of a Structure with a Firearm. The jury also made the necessary findings under the 10/20/Life law that requires a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years to life on each crime because Lockhart carried and discharged a firearm that caused great bodily harm during the commission of the crimes. Assistant State Attorney Shalla Jefcoat called 20 witnesses to the stand to prove on the afternoon of July 10, 2016, Lockhart repeatedly shot Jody Rhoda as she left her place of business, the Colonial Restaurant. The case was investigated by the Chipley Police Department and with the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Lockhart was arrested within an hour of committing the crime. Judge Timothy Register scheduled a sentencing date for June 15, 2017.
Please contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at 850-819-6985 with any questions.