Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on May 3, 2019, a Bay County jury found Derrick Ray Thompson guilty of First Degree Murder in the death of Allen Johnson, and guilty of Robbery with a Firearm. On May 7, 2019, the twelve-member jury recommended a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that Thompson murdered his friend, Allen Johnson, on July 21, 2014, by shooting him twice. During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Thompson killed his friend for money to buy pills.
Evidence presented during the penalty phase of the trial demonstrated that Thompson was at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility serving a life sentence for the 2014 murders of Steven Zackowski and Debra Zackowski. Thompson had been working for Steven Zackowski, and shot him and his wife in Santa Rosa County two days before he murdered Allen Johnson.
The case was investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford and Assistant State Attorney Mark E. Graham. Circuit Judge Brantley S. Clark, Jr., sentenced Thompson to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.