MITCHELL COUNTY, Ga (WJHG/WALB)— A Panama City police officer has been fired and a sergeant has been demoted following the murder of Lucas Daughtry, 23, of Pelham, Georgia, according to our sister station, WJHG.

On July 11, 2026, Preston Roulhac allegedly murdered Daughtry in Panama City.

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According to the Panama City Police Department, Officer Murrell was dispatched to the scene five hours before the murder after a 911 caller reported that Roulhac was driving past her house and texting threats to Daughtry.

The department said Officer Murrell handled the call by phone and did not go to the scene. Investigators also learned the supervising sergeant knew about the call but failed to oversee its resolution. The department demoted him to police officer as a result.

The Panama City Police Department said it wants to remain transparent and expressed concern that a member of the department would behave in such a way. The department said it has taken firm and appropriate steps to address the situation and discourage this type of action in the future.

A suspect has been taken into custody, and the case is being investigated by Florida law enforcement.

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