In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews and Jackson County Sheriff Lou Roberts praised local the law enforcement departments for their investigation efforts in the case.
An investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office into the disappearance of Deena Zimmerman began Tuesday morning after she had not been seen or heard from by family members.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon Sheriff Kevin Crews said, “The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Beach Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, investigated numerous leads throughout this investigation, which have led us to where we are today.”
Crew’s said, “Early this morning, Ms. Zimmerman’s vehicle was found at a condominium in Panama City Beach. Shortly after locating the vehicle, we received information that led us to what was a suspected gravesite, at the time. Through investigative leads were able to identify two suspects in Ms. Zimmerman’s disappearance. During questioning of these two suspects, we were able to receive full confessions.”
Crews said law enforcement personnel are investigating a burial site, but did not say where it was located.
At this time, Washington County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 48-year-old Shawn Dowis (shown at right) on one open count of murder. Dowis is the current live-in boyfriend of Ms. Zimmerman.
According to the Sheriff, also being charged in this case for accessory after the fact to murder is 49-year-old Greg Dowis (shown at left). Greg is the brother of Sean Dowis.
Officials with the Sheriff’s Department said the information was gathered which supported statements from both suspects that Greg Dowis assisted Sean Dowis in disposing of Ms. Zimmerman’s body.
This is still a very active investigation, with three separate crime scenes being processed.