WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WDNews) — A 26-year-old Chipley man has been found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm in connection with a fatal 2024 shooting at Diamond Head Lake.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Kyle Michael Porter was found guilty following a trial this week in Washington County.
Porter was arrested in June 2024 following an investigation into the death of Randy Joseph Lynn of Panama City.
According to the sheriff’s office, Lynn was fatally shot at Diamond Head Lake on April 27, 2024.
Evidence presented during the trial showed Porter, Lynn and another person were at Porter’s residence for a day of fishing and socializing when an altercation happened.
Authorities said Porter produced a firearm during the altercation and fired, striking Lynn. Lynn later died from his injuries.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said investigators conducted an extensive investigation into the shooting, which eventually led to Porter being charged with manslaughter.
After hearing the evidence, the jury found Porter guilty of manslaughter with a firearm.
Assistant State Attorney Meagan Ford presented the case during the trial. The sheriff’s office commended Ford for what it described as “exceptional work” in presenting the case and the facts surrounding Lynn’s death.
Porter is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6, 2026, before Judge Christopher Patterson.
Update from the court hearing:
According to the Office of State Attorney for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit, Porter and Lynn had both been drinking during a fishing trip before the argument began on a dock. Prosecutors said Lynn was unarmed and Porter shot him once in the head at close range.
Chief Washington County Prosecutor Megan Ford told jurors, “This case is about 15 seconds on a dock and a decision that cannot be taken back.”
“Randy Lynn did not have a weapon, he did not reach for Kyle’s gun, he did not touch him. Then Kyle introduced a loaded gun into the argument … and approximately 15 seconds passed before Kyle pulled the trigger.”
According to the State Attorney’s Office, the six-person jury reached its guilty verdict in 35 minutes.
The State Attorney’s Office also thanked the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation into the case. Porter is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6 before Chief Circuit Court Judge Christopher Patterson.
Image Source – Office of State Attorney, 14th Judicial Circuit
