Dates: December 7, 1988 -December 24, 2022
The Tragedy:
Corporal Charles Ray Hamilton tragically lost his life during a barricade situation on December 24, 2022, in Okaloosa County, Florida. Deputies had been dispatched to an apartment to investigate a domestic assault that occurred the night prior. The suspect, unwilling to exit the premises, barricaded himself inside before firing shots from a window, striking Corporal Hamilton.
Emergency efforts were made, and Corporal Hamilton was transported to Fort Walton Beach-Destin Hospital. Tragically, despite these efforts, he succumbed to his wounds several hours later.
Corporal Hamilton had served for five years with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife, brother and two sisters.
More info:
dailymail.com : Florida sheriff’s deputy killed on Christmas Eve
The Service:
Corporal Hamilton was memorialized at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center and hundreds came to honor him.
Hamilton’s wife, Renee Hamilton, spoke out of love and sadness over her husband, “Ray is my best friend, the love of my life, my prince charming, the best part of me, and my eternal soulmate.” She also shared how their love story began in first grade, “My mother distinctly remembers dropping me off one day, Ray ran up to her and told my mother he was going to marry me. Absolutely fitting that today is our eight-year wedding anniversary.”
Renee closed the service by requesting one thing from those in attendance, “All I ask when you raise a glass tonight to start the new year is that you try to be more like Ray. Please don’t forget this amazing man- Ray Charles Hamilton.”
More info:
weartv.com : Family and friends celebrate life of Corporal Hamilton
ocala.com : Obituary
The Justice:
The suspect who shot Corporal Hamilton was identified as Timothy Price-Williams. He has since pled not guilty and has requested a trial by jury. Williams has charges of first-degree, premeditated murder, battery and attempted first-degree murder of three other officers. State Attorney, Ginger Bowden Madden, announced she is seeking the death penalty. As of August, 2023 his trial date has not been set.
More info:
lawandcrime.com : Prosecutors seek death penalty
Delivery:
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