Aggravated battery in Laurel Hill

An Air Heart helicopter transported a Walton County man to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola after being savagely beaten outside a residence in the Laurel Hill area. At around 6 p.m. Sunday night, Feb. 7, a Walton County Sheriff’s deputy met with 40-year-old William Gautney and his 19-year-old son Joshua Gautney.

The Gautneys’ went to a residence at 21175 North Highway 331 belonging to Warren Simpson. Simpson says he, along with his friend, 36-year-old John Matthew Mount, and 41-year-old Tammy Poston were watching television when someone started beating the door so hard that it knocked part of the window out of the frame. A short time later Simpson and Mount walked outside where they were attacked by the two suspects.

Simpson said that Mount fell to the ground and the younger Gautney was on top of him and continuously punched him.  Simpson then heard what sounded like meat being tenderized and looked back to see Joshua Gautney pounding Mount with his fist and feet. Simpson was able to get Joshua off Mount, and the two suspects then left the scene. Due to severe bleeding from his head, Mount was Air Flighted for medical treatment and evaluation. He is reportedly in stable condition.

The father and son are “behind bars” at the Walton County Jail, and are each charged with one-count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Joshua also faces a charge of criminal mischief of causing more than $200 in damage to the house. $5,250, and William Gautney’s bond is $5,000.