Duo caught at gas station tied to multi-county theft ring

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Two suspects from South Carolina are facing charges after deputies in Walton County arrested them in connection with a multi-county stolen property investigation, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced.

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On April 7, 2026, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Intelligence Unit issued a BOLO, or “Be on the Lookout,” for a Ford Bronco with a South Carolina tag reportedly linked to repeated thefts from a Lowe’s store in Jackson County.

According to the WCSO, information indicated the suspects had pawned stolen merchandise in surrounding counties and were traveling southbound into Walton County.

A deputy later spotted the vehicle at a Tom Thumb gas station at the intersection of Walton Road and State Highway 83 in DeFuniak Springs.

As deputies approached, they observed a female driver entering the vehicle and a male suspect preparing to get inside. Both individuals were detained without incident.

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The male suspect was identified as Zackary Rice, 29. Laela Madison Murdock, 23, was identified as the driver. Both are from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Deputies said they observed a new Craftsman air compressor and a small lawn mower in plain view inside the vehicle, items reportedly consistent with those stolen.

Ms Murdock initially denied involvement but later admitted she went with Mr Rice to various stores where he is said to have obtained merchandise that was later pawned.

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Jackson County investigators also confirmed Ms Murdock is said to have pawned some of the stolen items.

Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Walton County Jail, where they were charged with dealing in stolen property. Each was given a $5,000 bond and remained incarcerated at the time of the release.