The state will seek the death penalty in the case against Jacob Rex Langston, William Eddins, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, announced today.
On Feb. 12, an Okaloosa County grand jury indicted Langston for first-degree premeditated murder in the death of Elbert Merrick III, first-degree premeditated and/or felony murder for the deaths of Shanna and Kevin McGrath and two counts animal cruelty. The killings occurred Jan. 23 at the McGraths’ Crestview home.
On Jan. 23, the victim, Elbert Merrick III, went to the McGrath home to retrieve items from Langston. While Merrick was there, the defendant shot him in the head outside the home.
Shanna McGrath attempted to call 911 and the defendant then shot her.
The defendant then shot and killed Kevin McGrath.
During the shooting, the family dogs, Kia and Jasmine, were injured. Kia died at the scene and Jasmine is still recovering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Langston is currently incarcerated with no bond.
Assistant State Attorney Angela Mason will be prosecuting the case.Â
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State seeks death penalty for Crestview man