Suspect Arrested Within Hours in Fatal Shooting of Mary Esther Man in Okaloosa County

Okaloosa County, FL (BuzzReport) — Investigators with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office say a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Mary Esther man early Wednesday morning, less than 12 hours after the victim’s body was discovered.

Authorities identified the suspect as 20-year-old Kavari McQueen of Crestview, who is currently being held in the Leon County Jail on an open count of murder.

According to investigators, McQueen and the victim were traveling together in a vehicle when an altercation broke out shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday. The dispute escalated, and gunfire was reported.

Officials said the two individuals exited the vehicle and went into the roadway during the confrontation. A short time later, a passing motorist discovered the victim’s body on Taylor Road near Lake Silver Road, located north of Crestview.

Deputies responding to the scene found the victim deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators say McQueen had left the scene in the vehicle following the shooting. Through investigative efforts, he was identified as the primary suspect and was located later that day.

Authorities said McQueen was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Tallahassee.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement also executed a search warrant at a residence in the Crestview area Wednesday evening as part of the ongoing case.

The sheriff’s office credited several agencies for assisting in the investigation and arrest, including the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses.