Florida Men Charged with Aggravated Battery After Parking Lot Altercation

Two men in Florida have been charged with aggravated battery following an altercation in a Publix parking lot. Everette Krichbaum, 52, and James Gay, 35, were involved in a physical confrontation over a romantic relationship.

According to police, James Gay was identified as the primary aggressor. The incident occurred in Panama City. Both individuals have been charged with aggravated battery and are currently detained at the Bay County Jail.

The conflict began when Krichbaum was seated in his vehicle. Gay approached and initiated a verbal dispute. Records indicate Gay retrieved a machete from his car, striking Krichbaum in the face. As a result, Krichbaum began using a hatchet in self-defense.

The feud between the men involved a woman named Stephanie Marshall, who Krichbaum is currently dating, while Gay was previously in a relationship with her. Gay and Marshall had been dating since June.

At the scene, officers discovered that Gay had a serious injury involving a cut on his pinky and an abdomen puncture. Krichbaum suffered lacerations to his hands and face and claimed he lost consciousness after being hit by Gay with the machete.

Both men received medical treatment and were then arrested. Gay’s arrest is notable as he has a past conviction for aggravated battery, linked to the death of a 16-year-old boy in 2011. He was released from prison in 2024.

Krichbaum was arrested following his hospital discharge. Both suspects are facing charges for aggravated battery related to this altercation.