Public Safety

Two Arrested, Three Shooters Identified in Downtown Fourth of July Shooting

Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom says the investigation into the shooting that killed Philip “PJ” Sheppard Jr. is “headed” toward identifying a flashpoint, but no homicide charges have been filed yet.

Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom on Tuesday announced the first two arrests in the downtown Fourth of July weekend shooting that killed Philip “PJ” Sheppard Jr. and wounded several others, while cautioning that no one has yet been charged with homicide.

Mayor D.C. Reeves opened the briefing by calling the shooting “the most important issue happening in our city” before turning the floor to Winstrom.

PPD detectives arrested Nicholas Safford, a 26-year-old Mobile, Ala. resident, on aggravated assault, discharging a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon — Winstrom said Safford has multiple prior felony convictions. Safford was arrested in Escambia County, not in Mobile.  Note: Escambia Jail View shows Safford’s residence as Daphne, Ala.

Lillian Meyers, a 25-year-old Escambia County resident, was taken into custody the same night. Winstrom said Meyers took a gun used in the shooting away from the scene and is charged with tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact.

“No charges of murder at this time. However, we are making significant progress with the forensic evidence, with the interviews and continuing the investigation.” — Chief Eric Winstrom

At Least Three Shooters, Three Handguns

Winstrom disclosed publicly for the first time that investigators have identified at least three firearms used at the scene, meaning at least three shooters were involved. All three appear to have been handguns, likely 9mm.

• Why handguns: Winstrom said the length of time the individuals spent at the Fourth of July events made handguns the practical choice. “It is difficult to secrete a shotgun, a rifle in shorts and t-shirts. It’s not so difficult to do so with a handgun.”

Asked whether Safford’s arrest points to how the shooting started, Winstrom said Safford “does appear” to be the first person to fire a gun, and possibly the first to produce one. Safford’s aggravated assault charge stems from raising the gun and putting others in fear for their safety.

“The investigation direction it looks like is headed is that that incident, that this individual was the flashpoint for this tragedy. What preceded that? What sort of conversations or what sort of historical feud? We’re still working on that.” — Chief Eric Winstrom

• Winstrom confirmed Safford has “connections” to the criminal element and gang activity in the Escambia County area, though he resides in Mobile.

Video Evidence Being Withheld—For Now

I asked the police chief whether PPD would release video or photos from the scene. Winstrom said the department is considering it but believes withholding the footage currently serves the investigation better as detectives continue interviews with witnesses and those involved.

• Downtown Palafox Street has extensive surveillance camera coverage.
• More than 50 police officers were on the scene during the events, responding to roughly 20 separate fights that night.
• Every officer taking police action activated a body-worn camera, leaving detectives with hundreds of hours of footage to review.
• Detectives are cross-referencing footage to unmask suspects. For example, matching an unmasked individual in earlier video to the same clothing worn by a masked suspect during the shooting.

Winstrom praised the lead detective on the case and the broader investigative team. “I am very impressed by the professionalism of this organization, very impressed by the work ethic of these detectives,” he said, adding it makes him “that much happier” that his own family lives in Pensacola.

Public Asked to Come Forward

Winstrom repeated an appeal for anyone with information—including bystanders who were “on the sidelines” of the incident—to contact PPD directly or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Mayor Reeves: Met With PJ’s Mother, Curfew Proposal Advancing

Mayor Reeves told reporters he met with Sheppard’s mother Wednesday morning, describing the conversation as difficult and offering the family the city’s assistance “in the days ahead.”

• Reeves also gave an update on the proposed curfew for minors he first raised earlier in the week, clarifying that it would apply only to unsupervised minors, not adults.

Key details still being worked out, according to Reeves:

• The state statute sets standard curfew hours for minors: 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.
• City staff is working through enforcement mechanics, such as whether a curfew violation results in arrest, or whether officers would instead drive an unsupervised 13- or 14-year-old home.
• Reeves said any proposal would need to have the police department’s confidence that it can be enforced before going to city council for approval.

Reeves said he has heard from downtown business owners offering camera footage, parents, and community and faith leaders, including Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May, Civil Rights leader Ellison Bennett and Pastor Lonnie Wesley, all wanting to support the police department and address child safety downtown.

This is a developing story. No homicide charges have been filed as of Wednesday’s briefing. Check back for updates as the investigation continues.