Violence Erupts at Panama City Publix: Shocking Link to ‘Vampire Cult’ Murder

What started as a routine trip to Publix in Panama City, Florida, quickly devolved into a nightmare. A heated argument in the parking lot of the supermarket on Highway 231 escalated into a brutal fight involving deadly weapons, leaving two men injured and facing serious criminal charges.

A Deadly Confrontation in a Grocery Parking Lot

According to a Panama City Police affidavit, the incident began when James Gay arrived at the parking lot where Everette Kirchbabum and a woman—identified as Gay’s ex-girlfriend—were present. What started as a verbal dispute rapidly turned violent.

In an attempt to deter Gay, Kirchbabum reportedly brandished a hatchet. However, the threat only fueled the fire. Gay retrieved a machete from his vehicle and launched a vicious attack, striking Kirchbabum in the face and head, knocking him unconscious. Both men required hospitalization following the brawl.

A Dark History: The ‘Vampire Cult’ Connection

As investigators delved into the backgrounds of those involved, a chilling detail emerged. James Gay is not a stranger to the legal system; he carries a disturbing criminal history in Bay County.

In 2011, Gay was convicted in a case that shocked the region: the “Vampire Cult Murder”. Court records reveal that Gay served 15 years for his role in the unprovoked attack on 16-year-old Jacob Hendershot. The teenager was beaten to death by two other men in an act of alleged retaliation based on a false claim involving a woman who claimed to be a vampire.

Current Legal Status and Arrests

The aftermath of the Publix parking lot fight has led to significant legal repercussions for both parties involved:

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• James Gay: Currently held at the Bay County Jail with a bond set at $50,000.
• Everette Kirchbabum: Arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after being found hiding at a residence in Vernon.

Both men have been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. While body camera footage has been requested, authorities are relying on video provided by the woman present during the altercation to build their case.

For those interested in understanding more about how crime is tracked and handled in the state, you can visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for official reports and public safety information.

Stay tuned for more updates as this case develops in the Panama City court system.