FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2007

Two convicted of killings in Bay County Circuit Court

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the convictions, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Ronald M. Rocher and Jay Broxton.

Rocher, WM, DOB: 1-28-1964, of 705 Virginia Avenue, Lynn Haven, was found guilty in the February 26, 2005, hit and run death of Judy Kay Gonzales. The three males, three females jury deliberated about 45 minutes before convicting Rocher of Vehicular Homicide–Failing to Render Aid, and Leaving the Scene of Accident involving Death. Due to case law, Rocher was adjudicated guilty of only the Vehicular Homicide–Failure to Render Aid count. Sentencing is set for December 18 at 8:30 a.m. The maximum possible penalty is 30 years in prison.

The First Degree Murder verdict against Broxton, BM, DOB: 7-3-1972, took about 40 minutes. Broxton was also convicted of Burglary and Robbery in the October 3, 2006, shooting death of James Edwards in the Shadow Bay area of Bay County. Evidence was presented at trial to indicate that drugs were involved. Broxton was sentenced to life without parole.