PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Two men are facing charges after a fight broke out in the parking lot of a Publix on Highway 231 in Panama City, according to a Panama City Police affidavit.
Everette Kirchbabum and James Gay are each charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Both men were injured in the fight and transported to the hospital.
How the fight started
According to the affidavit, Kirchbabum and a woman were in the Publix parking lot when Gay — the woman’s ex-boyfriend — drove up and an argument broke out. Kirchbabum reportedly displayed a hatchet to deter Gay. Instead of stopping, Gay retrieved a machete from his car.
Kirchbabum told police Gay struck him in the face and head with the machete, knocking him unconscious. The woman, who was present during the fight, provided video of the altercation to authorities.
Gay’s prior conviction
Gay has a prior criminal history in Bay County. In 2011, he was convicted in a case known as the “Vampire Cult Murder.” Court documents show Gay was sentenced to 15 years for starting an unprovoked attack on 16-year-old Jacob Hendershot, who was beaten to death by two other men. The attack was allegedly retaliation for Stephanie Pistey — a woman who claimed to be a vampire — who said Hendershot had raped her. Investigators said that claim was false.
Arrests and bond
Kirchbabum was arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday. Deputies said he was found hiding at a home in Vernon. Gay is being held on a $50,000 bond at the Bay County Jail. Kirchbabum’s first appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning.
Panama City Police declined interview requests. Body camera footage was requested but had not been received as of the time of this report.
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email [email protected]. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app.
Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.
