Former Fire Chief Convicted in Murder Case: A former fire chief faced a guilty verdict on Wednesday for the murder of a Pensacola auto body shop owner over an unpaid debt, as reported by Pensacola news outlets.
Brian Keith Easterling, 53, was convicted by an Escambia County (Fla.) jury for the premeditated murder of 63-year-old Michael Evers in June 2022, according to WEAR. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Trial evidence revealed Easterling’s anger over a $25,000 loan that Evers had not repaid. The two had been friends for 18 years, partnering in car remodeling investments, with Easterling rebuilding Ford Mustangs and Evers handling the painting at his Pensacola shop. Profits from vehicle sales were typically split between them.
In early June, Easterling visited Evers’ garage to collect the $25,000. When Evers couldn’t produce the money, Easterling, in his own words, “snapped” and brandished a gun. Surveillance footage captured Easterling shooting Evers in the head. Subsequently, Easterling searched the garage for money, covered Evers’ body with a car cover, took Evers’ phone, and fled in his vehicle. Evers’ body was discovered by police three days later during a welfare check at the shop.
Notably, Easterling served as the fire chief for the Baker Volunteer Fire Department, situated about 10 miles north of Crestview, Fla., in Escambia County.
ALSO READ: Marlan Phillips Faces Consequences: in Jennifer Parrish Murder Case
Also Read: North Carolina Gubernatorial Race Heats Up as Filing Deadline Approaches