Judge Joe Grammer in Panama City has denied Derrick Ray Thompson, 41, bond after his arrest in connection to three slayings. Thompson confessed a desire for drugs motivated the murders. Grammer also denied Thompson a public defender citing Thompson's income last year was more than $60,000. Grammer asked if income figures were accurate. Thompson said, "Not anymore." Grammer replied, "Definitely not after yesterday."
Former Bay County Sheriff's Office investigator and local nightclub owner Allen Johnson, 67, was the third in a trio of shooting deaths authorities believed were motivated by a search for prescription narcotics. Thompson allegedly went to Johnson's Lynn Haven home to borrow money after the death of the Zackowskis in Santa Rosa County days earlier. Thompson was charged with an open count of murder in Bay County Tuesday. His next court date is schedule for August 19. Santa Rosa County authorities have not yet charged Thompson in the Zackowskis' deaths. Authorities expect to have an order for trial procedure within 30 days.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Update: triple homicide suspect denied bond, public defender