In 1983 John “Billy” Ferry walked into the Palm River Winn Dixie and tossed gasoline over clerks and people waiting in the checkout line. Killing 5 people and hurting many more. He’s is serving 5 life sentences, one for each of the people he killed. His 14 year old son, John was arrested in ‘91 for possession of a firebomb and destructive device.
Fast forward to 1986 when we purchased a home in North Hyde Park. From the second floor we could see into the lot of the house next door. There was a strange long pile of dirt on one side. We asked the seller about it. She told us that there was an old guy living there. He helped a homeless guy and gave him a place to live. They then started to argue and to fight. Suddenly the old guy was gone and the young guy started to sell everything on the front porch. When the neighbors asked where was the older guy, he would say “he moved back up north.”
The landlord came and evicted the young guy. The young homeless guy was Billy Ferry. After the fire-bombing the neighbors called the police. They came to the house and for 3 weeks to dig up the back yard. They watched in horror and wonder. The older gentleman was never found.