Sheriff's officials arrest a 21-year-old man in connection with the slayings.
By Associated Press
Published August 30, 2004
CALLAWAY - A 21-year-old man was arrested on charges he fatally shot a man and his girlfriend after an argument at their home.
Thomas Wade Couch was arrested Saturday in the deaths of Daniel S. Fabris, 20, and Nichole Savageau, 17.
Bay County Sheriff's Office investigators said Fabris and Savageau were celebrating Savageau's birthday Saturday night at Couch's home when the shootings took place.
Sheriff's officials said that Fabris had outstanding arrest warrants in connection with violating probation for battery, resisting arrest with violence and battery-domestic violence and that Couch allowed him to live at his mobile home to avoid arrest.
They said Couch, while cleaning a gun, accidentally fired a round into the mobile home ceiling. Investigators said Fabris became angry with Couch because he worried police would investigate.
When Fabris returned to the home later in the evening, he argued with Couch. Authorities said Couch allegedly shot Fabris several times with an SKS assault rifle, killing him.
Officials say Savageau was shot when she tried to run from the home. She died in a neighbor's yard from multiple gunshot wounds.
