BONIFAY, Fla. (WDNews) — Holmes County Sheriff John Tate provided an update Monday, August 25, on a violent brawl at Lake Cassidy that involved several Alabama residents.
The fight broke out in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 17, after two groups — one from Walton and Holmes counties and another from Alabama — gathered at the lake. Sheriff Tate said investigators determined the Alabama group incited the altercation.
Video footage shows one individual being knocked unconscious, then kicked and stomped before a gunshot interrupted the melee. Sheriff Tate noted there is no evidence the groups knew each other before meeting the night prior at The Wagon Wheel, a bar in Walton County.
While rumors reportedly suggest the fight stemmed from a confrontation over a woman, Tate said a clear motive has not been established.
No arrests have been made yet, but Sheriff Tate announced five warrants were issued after public tips aided investigators. Those charged include:
Zachary Windham, 27, Samson, Ala. — Discharging a firearm in public, improper exhibition of a firearm, affray, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and battery.
Robert Williams, 27, Geneva, Ala. — Affray and battery.
Brian Silas, 23, Samson, Ala. — Attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery, and affray.
La’javis Silas, 24, Samson, Ala. — Battery and affray.
Myniko Harrison, 28, Samson, Ala. — Felony battery, affray, and violation of state probation. Harrison was previously arrested in Holmes County in 2023 on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault with a weapon, and battery.
Sheriff Tate urged the suspects to turn themselves in, stating his office will continue working with local and Alabama authorities until all are in custody.
The victim suffered a broken nose and broken ribs but is recovering. The “affray” charge, filed against multiple suspects, is a misdemeanor for fighting in public.
The case remains under investigation.
