by Teresa Eubanks, CLJNews.com
BONIFAY, FL – Investigators are trying to piece together what led to the shooting death of a Good Samaritan who pulled over to help two men after their vehicle ran off the road, crashed and overturned in Holmes County around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26.
The car was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed on CR 173, just outside of Bonifay, when the driver failed to negotiate a curve, according to the FHP report. The small four-door sedan began rolling over and hit a fence, then struck a tree and a culvert before landing on its roof.
The victim, who was southbound on the same road, stopped when he saw the wrecked vehicle. He went to check on a Calhoun County man and his father, who were out of the car. Remarkably, both escaped being seriously injured.
What happened after that is unclear, but what is known is that 25-year-old Marcus Kale Fournier of Bonifay was shot and died at the scene.
* * * * *
Anthony Hicks Jr. of Kinard was driving his father, Anthony Hicks Sr., to the elder man’s home in Georgia early that morning, according to Holmes County Sheriff John Tate.
At some point after the crash, Hicks Jr. called 911 but was not able to explain what happened. “He was irrational, kind of talking out of his mind and talking crazy,” said Holmes County Sheriff John Tate. He said Hicks did not mention the shooting during the 911 call.
EMS, deputies and firefighters responded to the crash site where they found the two men and the body of Fournier. Before realizing he had been shot, first responders thought he had been ejected from the car.
The injured men were treated at the scene and transported to a Dothan, AL hospital that morning.
Hicks has been charged with an open count of murder.
The sheriff said it does not appear that Fournier and Hicks knew one another.
Hicks is currently being held at the Calhoun County Jail after being picked up on a warrant for a charge of domestic battery on a pregnant victim (aggravated battery) that happened in the Oak Grove Community in Kinard on March 21.
The warrant was issued March 26, the same day as the car wreck. Hicks was arrested in Holmes County and transferred to the Calhoun County Jail on March 27. He will later be extradited back to Holmes County to face the murder charge.
Sheriff Tate emphasized that the investigation into this matter remains active and ongoing. While progress has been made with the filing of formal charges, there is still substantial work ahead for the investigative team. “It’s going to take some time to put the pieces of the puzzle together,” he said.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as our investigative team continues to work diligently on this case,” stated Sheriff Tate. “The pursuit of justice for Marcus Kale Fournier and his loved ones remains our top priority.”
The sheriff extended gratitude to all individuals and agencies who have responded to and assisted with the investigation thus far. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community are vital in resolving such cases.
* * * * *
Services for Marcus Kale Fournier will be held at 2 p.m. on April 4 at Sims Funeral Home Chapel in Bonifay.
He was born on Feb. 11, 1999 in Clearwater.
He is survived by his young son, Calvin Kale Fournier of Bonifay; his mother, Ame’ Patrice Fournier of Bonifay; his father, Mark Fournier of Clearwater; sister, Kenzie Taylor Benware of Treasure Island; maternal grandmother, Pat Hice of Bonifay and his paternal grandfather, Conrad Fournier of Clearwater.
Interment will be in Bonifay Cemetery with Sims Funeral Home directing.
A Go Fund Me account has been set up under “Marcus Kale Fournier – Funeral” to raise funds to help with burial expenses.
About Author
