Thornton confession sheds more light on Billings’ murders

WEAR TV 3 has broadcast parts of the confession by Frederick Thornton, one of the suspects in the murder/home invasion of Byrd & Melanie Billings. The Okaloosa man, age 19, said that he had no knowledge of any plans to kill the couple. His job was to carry a shotgun, and kick in a door – for which he was to be paid $100K.

Patrick Gonzalez claimed someone close to the family would turn off the security system. The crew of eight knew the floor plans of the house.

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Author: Rick Outzen

Rick Outzen is the publisher/owner of Pensacola Inweekly. He has been profiled in The New York Times and featured in several True Crime documentaries. Rick also is the author of the award-winning Walker Holmes thrillers. His latest nonfiction book is “Right Idea, Right Time: The Fight for Pensacola’s Maritime Park.”