Washington County, FL – Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews has announced the arrest of Blake Elliot Hornsby, a 37-year-old man now charged with the murder of his mother following a tragic and violent incident in Ebro, Florida.
On Wednesday, July 23, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Telecommunications Center received a 911 call requesting urgent assistance at a residence on Still Pond Road. Deputies and EMS personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene.
As deputies approached the front door, they heard crying coming from inside. Hornsby opened the door, visibly distraught and emotional, and reportedly stated, “She’s inside.” Deputies entered the home and discovered an unconscious woman lying inside with severe bruising, dark marks around her neck, and no signs of breathing. Despite immediate attempts to administer life-saving aid, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hornsby had blood on his hands, cut and swollen knuckles, and scratch marks on his body, injuries consistent with a recent physical altercation. Deputies observed signs that the victim, later identified as 64-year-old Mary Jane Ward of Quitman, Georgia, had suffered fatal injuries consistent with strangulation.
According to interviews with neighbors and family members, no one else had been at the home all day prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Based on the physical evidence and witness statements, Hornsby was arrested and charged with an open count of murder in the death of his mother.
He is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Jail.
This case remains under active investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the 14th Judicial State Attorney’s Office, the District 14 Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Crime Scene Technicians.
Sheriff Crews extended his condolences to the family and urged anyone experiencing domestic issues to seek help before situations escalate to violence. More details will be released as the investigation continues.
Leave a Reply