DeFuniak Springs man and parents facing charges involving a shooting

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – A local couple and their adult son are facing charges in connection with the shooting of a 17-year-old girl.

According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, on March 18, the teenager was shot on Commerce Circle in DeFuniak Springs.

Authorities said the girl was treated for a single gunshot wound to her chest and neck area at North Okaloosa Medical Center. The incident was originally reported as an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators later revealed that the girl’s boyfriend, 21-year-old Kai Hughes shot her in the house.

Walton County Sheriff’s went to the home and spoke with the father 59-year-old, Anthony Hughes, who claimed he was at the store when the shooting happened, according to a news release.

“It took a little bit of time, but putting the pieces of the puzzle together to say that things just aren’t adding up, and then we get that one little extra bit of information that completely changed around from being reported as an accident to now it is an intentional act and potentially an attempted homicide,” Criminal Investigations Division, Dustin Cosson said. “That’s not what they were charged with. However, the aggravated child abuse of a firearm carries the same weight and possibly more weight than what attempted homicide would.”

On Tuesday, the WCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau said they conducted a search warrant and arrested Kai, his father Anthony, and his mother Audrey.

Authorities charged Kai Hughes with aggravated child abuse and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. He was also charged with possession of a weapon or ammunition in June 2023.

Audrey and Anthony were charged with accessory after the fact, for allegedly lying to investigators. Anthony was also charged with tampering with evidence. Investigators said Anthony hid the weapon used in the shooting from authorities.

“The worst thing you can do is try to lie or try to hide something future. We all have people that have children know and love them. However, a situation like this is not one to mess around. With again, especially when somebody’s life is at stake or could be at stake for future issues,” Cosson said.

They were both issued a $5,000 bond. Anthony posted bond on Wednesday. Audrey is still incarcerated.

Kai was issued a $100,000 bond and is still incarcerated.

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