Wildlife Officer Ray Lynn Barnes

Ray Lynn Barnes

Wildlife Officer Ray Barnes was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a person illegally hunting deer along the Shoal River near the Okaloosa County-Walton County line.

The suspect managed to gain control of the officer's handgun and shot him.

The suspect was convicted of third-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on October 31st, 2004. On December 20th, 2007, he was returned to the Florida Penitentiary to serve a term of 35 years after his third conviction for DUI, resisting and eluding officers, and driving with a revoked license.

Officer Barnes was survived by his wife and two daughters.