Suspect’s Wife Talking To Investigators

Alabama Florida The wife of the alleged mastermind behind the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings will talk to investigators today.

by Jessica Taloney

Published: Mon, July 20, 2009 - 9:08 am CST Last Updated: Mon, July 20, 2009 - 9:20 am CST

Investigators in Escambia County, Florida will talk today to the wife of the alleged mastermind behind the murders of a Beulah, Florida couple well known for adopting special needs children.

Sheriff David Morgan named Tabatha Gonzalez a person of interest late Friday afternoon.

She's married to Leonard Gonzalez, Jr., one of seven men charged with shooting and killing Byrd and Melanie Billings July 9 in their home.

Meanwhile, another suspect in the case, Donald Stallworth, 28, will face a judge in Brewton, Alabama at 1:15 this afternoon.

Circuit Judge Bert Rice will decide whether Stallworth, who was arrested July 14, will be extradited to Florida to face murder charges.

Gonzalez Jr., Stallworth, and six other men are accused of rushing into the Billings' home, shooting the couple to death and stealing a safe, which contained birth certificates, adoption papers, passports, heirloom jewelery and prescription drugs prescribed to the family.

An eight suspect, Pamela Long-Wiggins, is charged as an accessory after the crime. Investigators say she helped hide the weapons used during the crime and the stolen safe. The safe was found July 16 buried in Wiggins' backyard.

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