Baker Fire Chief Brian Easterling accused of fatally shooting a Pensacola shop owner. Here's what we know

Rachael Thomas and Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal
·2 min read
3

Baker Fire Chief Brian Easterling has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the shooting death of a Pensacola shop owner, the Escambia County Sheriff's Department said Monday.

Here's what we know.

Baker Fire District Chief Brian Easterling shows off one of the department's fire trucks on March 25, 2022. Easterling was charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of a 63-year-old Pensacola shop owner on Sunday.
Baker Fire District Chief Brian Easterling shows off one of the department's fire trucks on March 25, 2022. Easterling was charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of a 63-year-old Pensacola shop owner on Sunday.

What happened?

The shop owner was missing for "a few" days before police found his body during a welfare check Sunday.

Surveillance footage taken June 2 shows Easterling entering the shop on Creighton Road and shooting owner over a "dispute about prior business deals." The victim allegedly owed Easterling money, ECSO said.

Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies located Easterling at his home in Holt and arrested him Sunday. He has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder.

Crime news: Jay teenager charged with second-degree murder in shooting

More crime: Man charged with second-degree murder for Circle K shooting over social media feud

Who is Baker Fire Chief Brian Easterling?

According to Easterling's LinkedIn profile, he has worked with the Baker Fire Department since 2005. He became captain in 2019. He previously worked with the Eglin Air Force Base Fire Department.

Baker Fire Chief Brian Easterling has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of a 63-year-old Pensacola shop owner on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Baker Fire Chief Brian Easterling has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of a 63-year-old Pensacola shop owner on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

Easterling describes himself as an "experienced captain with a demonstrated history of working in the military industry." His profile states he attended Florida State Fire College.

Baker Fire District Station is a volunteer fire department that covers 90 square miles in Okaloosa County. Its 35-volunteer member staff serves 7,000 people, operating out of a single station located at 1375 19th Street in Baker.

What do we know about the person who was fatally shot?

The shop owner, whose name has not been released by authorities, was 63 years old. The shop is located on Creighton Road in Pensacola.

What happens next?

Easterling was transferred from Okaloosa County Jail to Escambia County Jail Monday evening. He is being held without bond.

He was suspended by the Baker Fire Board of Directors on Monday. Baker Fire Assistant Chief Mark McKenzie said he will assume the duties of fire chief in the interim.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida Fire Chief Brian Easterling charged with murder in shooting death