Escambia County, Fla. — The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking a suspect following a deadly shooting that occurred at a local hotel on Thursday night. According to an update released by the department around 6 p.m., investigators now have a loose description of the individual they are looking for in connection with the homicide.
Details from the Scene
Sheriff Chip Simmons stated during the press briefing that deputies responded to the Quality Inn located on Pensacola Boulevard just before midnight. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head in one of the hotel hallways. The victim was identified as a 31-year-old Hispanic male.
"[It's] looking like it might have been a setup and a robbery and that ultimately led to the gunshot," said Sheriff Simmons regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Suspect Description
Based on initial investigations, law enforcement is searching for a black male who was wearing a mask and a green hat at the time of the shooting. The sheriff’s office emphasized that this description remains loose as investigators continue to gather more specific details from witnesses and surveillance footage.
The victim was not registered as a guest at the Quality Inn. However, officials confirmed that his vehicle was located in the hotel parking lot. This detail has led authorities to believe the man may have been visiting the area for reasons other than staying overnight at the establishment.
Victim Background and Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff Simmons added that investigators currently believe the victim is from Maryland, though his specific reason for being in Escambia County remains under investigation. The department has not yet released the name of the deceased individual pending notification of next of kin.
This case was initially reported as a report of shots fired late on July 30 when deputies first arrived at the scene. As evidence and witness statements were processed, the inquiry evolved into a full homicide investigation. No suspects have been identified or arrested to date.
