Hathaway Convicted of Second Degree Murder, Burglary with Assault or Battery, Kidnapping, and Robbery

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess releases the following information:

On October 18, 2019, a Calhoun County jury in Blountstown, Florida convicted James Michael Hathaway of Second Degree Murder (Victim over 65 Years of Age), Burglary with Assault or Battery, Kidnapping and Robbery.  Sometime between December 30th and December 31st, 2018 the victim, a 79-year-old Calhoun County resident, was assaulted in his home, bound with zip-ties, electrical cords, and metal binding, beaten severely, his property stolen, and he was left for dead.  The victim was discovered on December 31, 2018 by a family member and was life flighted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries from the brutal attack.  Assistant State Attorney William Wright called 19 witnesses to prove to the jury the chain of events that occurred and the evidence of those crimes, proving to the jury that James Michael Hathaway committed or assisted in committing those crimes.  The case was investigated by the Calhoun County Sheriff s Office with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  Judge Shonna Young Gay scheduled a sentencing date for November 20, 2019. James Michael Hathaway faces up to life in prison based on his conviction.

Please contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford with any questions.