UPDATE: 47 year old Ronnie Lamont Phillips is in custody at the Walton County Jail after turning himself in. Phillips walked into the lobby of the Walton County Sheriff's Office and advised a Deputy that he wanted to turn himself in at approximately 10:25 a.m. today (Friday, June 14, 2013). Phillips is being charged with Premeditated Attempted Felony Murder and Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling while Armed.
The investigation continues.
On June 12, 2013 at approximately 3:47 p.m. officers from the DeFuniak Springs Police responded to 226 Davis Lane in reference to a 9-1-1 call of a person being stabbed.
Officers from the DeFuniak Springs Police arrived on scene within minutes to find the victim Melissa Hobdy suffering from multiple cuts and stab wounds. DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and Walton County Fire and Rescue arrived on scene shortly afterwards to assist. Hobdy received medical attention on scene and was airlifted by helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola Florida for further assessment.
The perpetrator has been identified as Ronnie Lamont Phillips of DeFuniak Springs. Phillips fled the scene prior to the officers arriving. Warrants have been signed for the arrest of Phillips for Premeditated Attempted Felony Murder and Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling while Armed. Investigators are following all investigative leads to the whereabouts of Phillips. He is also considered armed and dangerous.
You are encouraged to contact the DeFuniak Springs Police or your nearest Law Enforcement Agency if you have any information on the whereabouts of Phillips. You can contact the DeFuniak Springs Police at (850) 892-8513, and if you want to remain anonymous you can call the tip line at (850)-910-TIPS (8477).
For Phillips Photograph Visit: http://www.bluemelon.com/DFSPolice
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Criminal Investigations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net