John Byron Kingkade,Krystal Rabon Kingkade Arrested – On the evening of Saturday, February 15, 2025, a violent altercation during a party in Freeport, Walton County, led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man, John Byron Kingkade, on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated child abuse. The incident, which resulted in a juvenile victim suffering multiple stab wounds, has also led to the arrest of Kingkade’s mother, 41-year-old Krystal Rabon Kingkade, for tampering with evidence.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday. A caller, who was a friend of the victim, informed the authorities that they were en route to the hospital after the victim had been stabbed during a gathering at a residence located off Portland Park Road. The caller reported that the stabbing took place at a party, and the victim, a minor, was suffering from serious injuries.
Deputies met the caller and the victim at Grady Brown Park, where Walton County Fire Rescue arrived promptly to provide medical assistance. The victim, who had sustained stab wounds to the head and neck, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of the injuries, the victim’s condition has yet to be officially disclosed by authorities, though they remain in a critical state.
Following the initial response, deputies conducted a thorough investigation at the scene of the crime, located at 187 Portland Park Road. They spoke with multiple witnesses present at the party and reviewed video footage that captured the violent encounter. According to witness statements and the footage, John Byron Kingkade was identified as the individual responsible for the stabbing. The footage showed Kingkade stabbing the victim multiple times with a knife, a brutal act that led to the victim’s serious injuries.
In light of this evidence, Kingkade was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and aggravated child abuse. He has been assigned a bond of $500,000 and remains in custody while awaiting further legal proceedings.
In an unexpected twist, the case took another turn when authorities discovered that Kingkade’s mother, Krystal Rabon Kingkade, was involved in the aftermath of the incident. It was revealed that she had allegedly instructed witnesses to delete cell phone footage of the stabbing. This action led to her arrest on charges of tampering with evidence, as she attempted to obstruct the investigation into the violent crime. She was released on a bond of $15,000 on Sunday afternoon.
The involvement of both John Byron Kingkade and Krystal Rabon Kingkade has raised significant concern in the community, as the case involves not only a brutal act of violence but also attempts to interfere with the legal process. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information and evidence.
As of now, officials have not disclosed the full condition of the victim, and it remains unclear whether further arrests or charges will be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
This case underscores the seriousness of violent crime in local communities and highlights the important role of law enforcement in ensuring justice is served, both for the victim and in holding those responsible for criminal actions accountable.