Rebecca Thomas, 58, and her 49-year-old boyfriend, John William Luper III, were found dead after a double homicide in Sopchoppy, Florida. Both victims died of multiple gunshot wounds on August 2, 2026. Their remains were not recovered at the Otter Creek Road residence; investigators later located the bodies concealed in separate spots within the St. Marks Refuge, indicating the victims had been moved after the killings. A structure fire at 740 Otter Creek Road is being investigated as a separate incident from the homicides.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office identified 46-year-old Joseph Ronnie Raker as a person of interest and obtained a warrant charging him with two counts of homicide. Raker was interviewed early in the investigation but was not detained; he subsequently disappeared and is currently the subject of an active manhunt that includes the U.S. Marshals Service. Law enforcement has described him as dangerous and an up-to-$10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

If anyone has information about Rebecca Thomas, John William Luper III, or the whereabouts of Joseph Ronnie Raker, please contact the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.