WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Freeport man has been charged with murder following a Dec. 28 shooting on Piney Point Road that left one man dead.
William Matthew Hallman, 30, of Watercove Drive, was arrested early Tuesday morning. According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), the victim was found with a single gunshot wound to the chest and was unarmed at the time of the incident.
The WCSO said its investigation revealed that Hallman had allegedly made statements about shooting the victim earlier that evening. Deputies said the victim had been invited into the home, contradicting initial claims that the victim was armed.
Interviews and scene reenactments were conducted during the investigation, which also involved assistance from the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit, the WCSO said.
“Although there wasn’t an arrest immediately, it’s important not to be in a hurry during an investigation of this nature,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
“Thoroughness is paramount to lead to successful arrest and prosecution.”
Mr Hallman faces an open count of murder in the case. The WCSO expressed its appreciation to the State Attorney’s Office for their collaboration.