Crimestopping Billboard

By Debbie Williams Reporter

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office is taking a hi-tech approach in hopes of solving four cold cases. Crimestopping Billboard

Published: Tue, December 11, 2007 - 7:11 pm

Debbie Williams

They are used for everything from selling cars to jewelry but now an electronic billboard in Pensacola is hoping to find some killers. Four unsolved Escambia County murders are being featured on the board giving new hope to at least one crime victims family.
He was a family man, a father, husband and brother. Barry Shipp is also a murder victim. A routine visit to the family owned, Arnold's House of Styles would be the last thing he would do says his brother in law Prince Arnold. "The people across the street reported that they heard gunshots and sent one of the assistants that work over at the studio to check on him that's when they found him shot."
That was in July. Posters went up and reward money was offered but still no answers.
Five months after Barry Shipp was murdered and investigators are at a dead end so they've come to one of the busiest intersections in Pensacola to look for a killer. "It would be a great beautiful gift to the family me children and the community if this technology would help bring forth the person who actually do the killing," says Shipps' widow, Taffany. She and her family have been on an emotional roller-coaster. "With the first of everything with him not being here on the first Thanksgiving now it will be the first Christmas just going through those days it's been hard," says Arnold.
Now there is new hope the new year will bring justice.
The billboard is at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Highway 29. It is funded by Escambia County Crimestoppers. It also features information about the murders of Carolyn Antrim, Dustin Conner and Joseph Johnson. Anyone with information is asked to call: (850) 433-STOP (7867).