The Panama City Beach Police Department has made an arrest in the 2010 killing of a contractor at the First Baptist Church on Panama City Beach.
Arrested was Christopher R. Hyler, 47, who was charged with premeditated murder. He is accused of killing Robert Ellison.
Hyler was arrested a 1009 Spring Avenue in Panama City, in which, according to property records was owned by his victim, Mr. Ellison.
In 2012, Ellison was shot several times in the Church Office. Although there were several dozen people working at the site, no one reportedly heard the gunshots or saw anything suspicious.
Over the course of the last two and a half years, Hyler made numerous incriminating statements about his involvement in the murder. Police have declined to say what the motive for the shooting was, as the investigation is ongoing. It is believe there were other participants in the slaying.
When Hyler was arrested, police found an active meth lab. Hyler was previously convicted for attempted burglary of a dwelling and fleeing the police and served 18 months in prison. He was released in April of 2009.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, the FDLE and the Panama City Police Department all worked together to solve the case.
Hyler is being held without bond in the Bay County Jail.