Pensacola man with attempted murder charge can't afford bond. Judge says 'it is what it is.'

The Pensacola man accused of attempted murder for shooting a man multiple times at a gas station in 2022 asked for a reduction in his bond Friday.

Shannon Lee Wheat, 22, and his attorney Assistant Regional Conflict Counsel Elizabeth Amond went before Escambia Circuit Judge Gary Bergosh and asked for a bond of $50,000 rather than his current bond of $300,000, arguing that because he can't afford it, it's equivalent to no bond.

"$300,000 is like a no bond for him, because he has nothing. He's indigent," Amond told Bergosh during the hearing. "I'm asking that the bond be reduced to $100,000 or $50,000 would even be better."

Amond also argued Wheat's bond should be reduced since he has no prior criminal record. Assistant State Attorney Ki McInnis said Wheat is a danger to the community due to when and how the incident happened.

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"This crime occurred in broad daylight during lunchtime," McInnis told the court. "The defendant and the victim are strangers. There is recorded evidence from the gas station that shows this defendant discharging a firearm and striking Mr. (Anthony) Westery, and additionally another bystander in the convenience store was also struck."

Bergosh decided to deny Wheat's petition for a decreased bond, saying it is "a serious charge and it is what it is." Wheat will remain in Escambia County Jail on $300,000 bond.

What are Shannon Wheat's charges?

Wheat is charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder and one count of firing deadly missiles into a building.

Wheat's murder charge is designated as a life felony, for which he faces life in a Florida prison. His second charge is designated as a second-degree felony, for which he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Westery shot: ECSO searching for suspect who sent man to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds

What is Shannon Wheat accused of doing on Aug. 30, 2022?

On Aug. 30, 2022, Escambia County Sheriff's deputies responded to Beacon convenience store and gas station in West Pensacola off Mobile Highway where they found Westery with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies say he was transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.

Both attorneys says Wheat's fiancée began arguing with Westery after he pulled into the gas station. Court records say Wheat was inside the convenience store when he heard the argument and left the store.

"Wheat quickly quickly pays for his merchandise and exits the store as Westery is walking and still talking to the female from the Mustang who has now gotten out of the Mustang and is walking toward Westery," court documents say. "Wheat takes a weapon from his waistband and turns and points the firearm at Westery and fires a volley of shots in Westery's direction."

The ECSO identified Wheat as the suspect the next day. On Sept. 1, two days after the incident, deputies located and arrested Wheat.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Florida man denied lower bond request on murder charge