Man Convicted of Mugs & Jugs Parking Lot Murder Denied Retrial

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- A judge has denied a motion for a new trial for a man convicted of murdering a woman outside Mugs and Jugs last year. The Pensacola News Journal reports that Circuit Judge Amy Brodersen rejected Christian Ketchup's request for a retrial, saying he received a fair trial. Ketchup was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Tierra Binion ten times in the bar's parking lot in August 2023. His attorney argued the trial was unjust, but the judge disagreed. Ketchup faces up to life in prison at his sentencing hearing next week.

Report Details Investigation into Murder of Two Children at Local Trailer Park

NEW DETAILS ON MURDER OF CHILDREN AT FLAXMAN TRAILER PARK

New details are emerging in the deaths of two Escambia County children last Friday. An arrest report obtained by WEAR reveals how investigators got 27-year-old John Henry Walston to confess to killing 9-year-old Vayden Orum and 7-year-old Rayden Smith at his mobile home on Flaxman Street. According to the report, Walston initially claimed an intruder broke in and set the fire. A 12-year-old boy who escaped the fire backed up that story. But detectives found the account didn't match the evidence at the scene. The report says Walston showed no emotion when first shown crime scene photos. But after detectives left him alone in the interview room with the photos still on the table, they observed him picking them up and crying - his first emotional response. When new investigators returned, he confessed. Sheriff Chip Simmons says the investigation continues, including questions about why the three children were staying at Walston's trailer that night as guests. Walston faces multiple charges including two counts of premeditated murder and sexual assault. He's due in court Friday for a pre-trial detention hearing.

Pensacola Yacht Club Hosting Melges 24 National Championship Race this Weekend

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- World-class sailing is coming to Pensacola Bay this weekend. The Pensacola Yacht Club is hosting the Melges 24 U.S. National Championship Friday through Sunday, with teams competing from Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The Melges 24 is an American-made high-performance sailboat that's been a longtime favorite at the club. Spectators can watch the races from Sanders Beach Park and the Downtown Waterfront. Regatta organizers say they're expecting strong competition and a great turnout for the three-day event.