CRESTVIEW, Fla., March 4, 2026—The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a fatal shooting that took place early this morning in north Okaloosa County.

A motorist called 911 shortly before 6 a.m. to report a man in the roadway on Taylor Road off Lake Silver Road north of Crestview.

Responding deputies found a 20-year-old Mary Esther victim dead with shell casings near his body.

Taylor Road was closed nearly six hours while investigators processed the scene for evidence.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information on the homicide to call the OCSO at 850-651-7400, or contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers P3 Tips mobile app, emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or 850.863.TIPS.

OCSO photo and news release