Victims Identified: Walton County Deputy William May and Timothy Mark Jarvinen Killed in Fatal Shooting Following Disturbance at Dollar General
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL – Authorities have confirmed the identities of those involved in a tragic shooting that left one law enforcement officer dead and the suspect fatally injured. Walton County Deputy William May, 44, was killed in a fatal altercation with 58-year-old Timothy Mark Jarvinen. The incident occurred outside the Dollar General store on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, on Wednesday afternoon, and the investigation is ongoing.
Incident Overview and Details
On Wednesday, April 3, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance at the Dollar General store located along Highway 90. The call described an individual, later identified as Timothy Mark Jarvinen, causing a scene in the store and refusing to leave. The disturbance was described as escalating, with reports suggesting that Jarvinen’s behavior was erratic and potentially dangerous.
In response to the call, Deputy William May, a 14-year veteran of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, Deputy May encountered Jarvinen, who was reported to be behaving erratically and refusing to comply with requests to leave the store. It is not yet clear what led to the escalation, but according to initial reports from law enforcement, Deputy May was in the process of escorting Jarvinen from the premises when the situation took a violent turn.
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, as Deputy May attempted to remove Jarvinen from the store, Jarvinen unexpectedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Deputy May was struck during the exchange of gunfire, at which point he returned fire, hitting Jarvinen. Both men were critically wounded in the exchange, with Deputy May sustaining fatal injuries. Jarvinen, who had been struck by gunfire, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the confrontation.
Despite immediate efforts by responding officers and emergency medical personnel to save him, Deputy May succumbed to his injuries. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, as Deputy May was well-known and well-respected among his colleagues, with many describing him as a dedicated and hardworking law enforcement officer who was deeply committed to serving the people of Walton County.
The Suspect: Timothy Mark Jarvinen
Timothy Mark Jarvinen, the 58-year-old man responsible for the fatal shooting of Deputy May, was identified shortly after the incident. Authorities confirmed that Jarvinen had lived in the DeFuniak Springs area for several years and had no known criminal history prior to the tragic events of Wednesday afternoon. According to Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson Jr., Jarvinen had been a resident of the area for over a decade, and there was no indication of any prior violent behavior or criminal activity on his part.
In fact, law enforcement records show that Jarvinen had never been arrested in Walton County, nor did he have any significant criminal history in the surrounding Northwest Florida region. Sheriff Adkinson further clarified that while Jarvinen had interacted with local law enforcement in the past, these interactions were mostly routine, including welfare checks and minor concerns. There was no record of prior violent encounters or arrests that would have suggested that Jarvinen could pose a danger to law enforcement officers or the public.
Jarvinen was a legally registered concealed weapons permit holder, a fact that was confirmed during the investigation following the shooting. A subsequent search of his home on Shakespeare Court, located just a short distance from the Dollar General store, revealed a collection of firearms. However, there was no indication that any of these weapons had been used in connection with any previous crimes or violent incidents. Sheriff Adkinson was careful to note that while the firearms found at Jarvinen’s home were legally owned, nothing in his history or his interactions with law enforcement suggested that he had ever been involved in any violent criminal activity.
The absence of a criminal history or any apparent motive for the shooting has left investigators puzzled. Sheriff Adkinson indicated that the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there were no signs that Jarvinen had any previous encounters or grievances with Deputy May or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. In his statements, Sheriff Adkinson emphasized that the department was committed to uncovering any additional details that might provide clarity regarding the cause of the disturbance and the deadly altercation.
While Timothy Jarvinen’s background thus far shows no criminal behavior that would indicate a propensity for violence, questions remain as to what triggered this specific confrontation. Investigators are reviewing all available evidence and interviewing witnesses, including store employees, to better understand the events leading up to the deadly exchange.
Deputy William May: A Life of Service
Deputy William May, 44, had been with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, dedicating much of his career to protecting and serving the community he loved. According to Sheriff Mike Adkinson, Deputy May was an exceptional officer known for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Walton County residents. He had earned the respect of his peers and the community alike, and his untimely death has left a deep void in the department.
Deputy May’s colleagues described him as a dedicated and hardworking officer who always put the needs of others before his own. In addition to his service with the Sheriff’s Office, May was also a beloved member of the community, often going above and beyond to support local organizations and charities. The news of his death has sent shockwaves throughout the Walton County community, and tributes from local leaders, fellow law enforcement officers, and community members have poured in.
During the press conference following the incident, Sheriff Adkinson spoke with great emotion about May’s character, noting that he was not just a colleague but a friend to many within the department. He praised May for his selflessness and tireless work ethic, describing him as someone who would always “put others first,” whether it was in the course of his work or his personal life.
The community has been left grappling with the loss of a dedicated public servant, and as plans for Deputy May’s memorial and funeral are made, the department and the people of Walton County mourn the loss of one of their own. Sheriff Adkinson promised that the department would do everything in its power to ensure that May’s legacy is honored and that his family and loved ones are supported during this difficult time.
Investigation and Future Developments
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), is actively investigating the incident. The FDLE has taken the lead on the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, as is customary in cases where a law enforcement officer is involved in a deadly encounter. The investigation will seek to determine the precise events that led to the shooting, including whether the use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances.
In the wake of the tragic incident, Sheriff Adkinson reassured the public that a full and transparent investigation would be conducted. The sheriff’s office has also reached out to the family of Deputy May to provide support and assistance during this difficult time. Additionally, funeral arrangements for Deputy May are expected to be announced in the coming days, and the department has promised to provide the community with updates as the investigation progresses.
Final Thoughts
The shooting of Deputy William May and the death of Timothy Mark Jarvinen have left a deep impact on the community of Walton County. The loss of an officer who dedicated his life to serving others is a painful reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day. As investigators continue to piece together the details of this tragic event, both the family of Deputy May and the residents of Walton County will undoubtedly carry the weight of this loss for years to come.
As more information becomes available and further details emerge about what led to the fatal shooting, it is clear that this incident will continue to be a source of mourning and reflection for the community. The legacy of Deputy William May and the questions surrounding the tragic actions of Timothy Mark Jarvinen are likely to remain at the forefront of conversations in Walton County for some time. For now, the community mourns the loss of a hero, while investigators work tirelessly to understand the full scope of this devastating event.
As updates regarding the investigation, funeral arrangements for Deputy May, and any potential developments in the case emerge, the people of Walton County are left with the difficult task of coming to terms with the loss of a cherished member of their community.
