Contents Of The Billings’ Safe Revealed

Florida Murder The Billings family attorney says the only things in the safe that was stolen from Byrd and Melanie Billings' home was children's Rx medication family documents and some jewelry of sentimental value.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Fri, July 17, 2009 - 10:13 am CST Last Updated: Fri, July 17, 2009 - 10:15 am CST

The Billings family attorney says the only things in the safe that was stolen from Byrd and Melanie Billings' home was children's prescription medication, family documents and some jewelry of sentimental value.

The safe was stolen last Thursday during a home invasion/robbery at the Billings' home in Beulah, Florida. Byrd and Melanie were shot and killed during the crime. The couple is being buried today.

Before the funeral in Pensacola, the family's attorney revealed the contents of the safe in hopes of squashing rumors and speculation about what was inside. Melanie's brother, Dr. Ed Brock, also read the following statement.

"Today is not the day to focus on the vicious crimes that have been inflicted on our family, upon this community.

Today is the day to celebrate Bud and Melanie's lives. It is a day to remember their laughter, their selflessness, and their enduring spirit.

Today is the day to challenge ourselves to embrace the differences among us and to find the kindness in our hearts.

By example, Bud and Melanie taught us to overlook disability, to be color-blind, to be patient with others and to give of ourselves. Their lives centered around children, their family and each other. They loved deeply and unconditionally.

They embraced the complexity of raising children with special needs, and they were their advocates/ They gave these children a joyous childhood and a much needed voice.

Their lives were cut was too short, but their legacy will love on. As Albert Einstein said, "our death is not and end if we can live on in our children."

Bud and Melanie will live on in our hearts forever."

Eight people have been arrested in connection with the crime. Leonard Gonzalez Jr., his dad Leonard Gonzalez Sr., Wayne Coldiron, Gary Sumner, Fredrick Thornton, Donald Stallworth and Rakeem Florence are all charged with murder. Pamela Long Wiggins is charged with accessory after the fact.

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BamaBob Says:

Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 7:21 pm

That’s very interesting.

miamiopinion Says:

Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 6:51 pm

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/17/crimesider/entry5170403.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

As I was saying, read cbs news for more info on Mr. Billings shady past…

miamiopinion Says:

Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 6:22 pm

I hope Escambia County reads this. There is something not making any sense in this story. First, why would you have prescription medications in a safe??? there is a lot of other places where they could be if the concern was that the children has access to them. Second, the couple was in the auto business, and the arrested were all conected by auto services business too. Third, why such a big group of people conspire, train and disguise to just do a home invasion? they should have more information on what was inside the house to go thru all the trouble they went to commit the crime. Fourth, there is probably an inside person in this. A person who provided info to this criminals and was going to help them to disconnect the surveilance system. Fifth, why would the family needs an attorney??? Why is the attorney so concern in revealing the contents of the safe? Something is very wrong here, my best guess is that they were specifically targeted to be killed, don’t know the motive, but I think that the couple knew the whole crew that invaded their house. As for adopting children, there is a lot of reasons why people adopt children. Is not only for the benefit of the children, but it could be for financial reasons, and a lot of other reasons. And finally, where is the son that was taken to court last year for child support on the couple grandaughter, and why they would buy an insurance policy for her??? Something stinks here…

BamaBob Says:

Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Crazy! Just plain crazy!

Geraldo said this morning that he would be all over this case. I guess that means his brother is on the streets of P’cola.