Downtown Panama City murder suspect appears in court

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – The suspect in Monday’s deadly shooting in downtown Panama City is being held without bond.

38-year-old Demarcus Lykes appeared before Judge William Dyer Tuesday morning for a bond hearing on murder charges.

Panama City Police said Lykes pulled his SUV into the parking lot near Hotel Indigo a little after 8:00 Monday morning.

They say Lykes got out and shot 42-year-old Berris McNamee with an AR-style rifle and a handgun. McNamee died at the scene.

Lykes drove away and wound up at the industrial park in Lynn Haven. Police finally arrested him after a stand-off that lasted for several hours. Both men are from Columbus Georgia.

Police believe Lykes knew McNamee and Lykes apparently had no record prior to the shooting.

“I certainly know that you don’t have any history, but an open count of murder, and it’s not like you are a lifetime resident of Bay County that we wouldn’t know for sure where you are at all times. I’m gonna deny the defense’s request for bond on you.”

Although police believe Lykes knew McNamee, they have yet to release a motive for the shooting. They also haven’t said how this tragedy traveled from Columbus, Georgia, to unfold here in Panama City.

Lykes will remain in the Bay County Jail, charged with an open count of murder.

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