|
Search continues for man wanted in Florida slaying
By Justin Goble
One man is in custody, and Jackson County authorities are searching for another wanted in connection with a murder in Florida.
|
|
|
|
Westerman
|
Lunz
|
|
Last Thursday (Dec. 22), a warrant was issued for Christopher David Lunz, 38, on a charge of first-degree murder. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Largo, Fla., believes Lunz was involved with the murder of his estranged father, David James Lunz, which occurred in March of 2003.
Christopher Lunz resided at 1406 Tunnel Mountain Rd., Sylva, with William Timothy Westerman, 25, who has been charged with first-degree murder in Pinellas County. According to a press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, it is believed the two traveled to the elder Lunz’s home in Palm Harbor, Fla., where they used a stolen gun to murder him. Presently, deputies in Pinellas County believe that the crime was part of a robbery attempt.
According to Capt. Steve Lillard of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the search for the two began locally in October when the gun used in the murder was found in Cedar Cliff Lake by an anonymous citizen, who turned it in to authorities. Sheriff’s offices in Jackson and Macon counties developed information that linked the gun to Westerman, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Westerman was picked up at a traffic stop Tuesday, Dec. 20. He admitted to his involvement and told Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies that Lunz had helped him commit the crime, Lillard said.
Westerman is currently being held at the Jackson County Detention Center while awaiting extradition to Florida.
Lunz is a white male, 6-foot tall and weighs approximately 300 pounds. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers line at 631-1125 or by e-mail at crimestoppers@jacksonnc.org. A reward is being offered for any information that leads to Lunz’s arrest.
|
