LAKE CITY, FL – On Friday, November 14, 2025, at approximately 9:10 p.m., deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at 144 SE Bunny Court. Responding deputies were notified en route that the suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Ernest Wade Pearce of Lake City, had fled the residence into the surrounding woods. Eyewitnesses also reported that another roommate was performing CPR on the victim.
Upon arrival, deputies secured the scene and continued life-saving measures on the victim, 57-year-old Kyra Lou Hurley, while other units established a perimeter to search for Pearce. CCSO K-9 teams were deployed, with additional support from K-9 units from the Florida Wildlife Commission and Florida Department of Corrections.
Investigators say the incident began with an argument between Pearce and Hurley, who was the homeowner and had been renting rooms to Pearce and other tenants. During the confrontation, Pearce struck Hurley, causing her to fall to the ground, then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her multiple times.
Deputies located Pearce a short distance from the residence in the woods and took him into custody without further incident. Emergency personnel, including Columbia EMS and Columbia County Firefighters, continued providing life-saving care to Hurley, but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Following his arrest, Pearce was interviewed by CCSO Criminal Investigations Division detectives and subsequently charged with Homicide – Murder Without Premeditation. He was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility in the early morning hours on Saturday, November 15.
CCSO detectives and crime scene technicians are actively investigating the incident, processing evidence at the residence, and conducting interviews with witnesses. No additional suspects are believed to be involved at this time.
The sheriff’s office thanked the responding deputies, K-9 units, and emergency personnel for their rapid response and life-saving efforts, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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