06/07/2026
On June 6, 2026, the Washington County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting on Orange Hill Road in Chipley, Florida. The caller advised that Chris Gomelski had been shot and that the suspect was next door, still armed, and attempting to leave the property.
Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene of a small trailer park where both the victim and suspect resided in close proximity to one another. Upon arrival deputies observed an adult male later identified as Christopher Gromelski lying on the ground. Deputies also observed Carl Woodrow Rogers exiting a nearby residence with his hands raised. Multiple individuals at the scene identified Rogers as the shooter. Rogers was taken into custody without incident. Investigators later confirmed that Rogers is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, making it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.
Washington County EMS responded and pronounced Gromelski deceased at the scene.
While conducting a protective sweep of the suspect's residence to ensure no additional occupants or threats were present, deputies observed drug paraphernalia and a clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance in plain view. The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The residence was secured and preserved as a crime scene pending further investigation.
Rogers was transported to the Washington County Sheriff's Office for an interview. During the interview, Rogers admitted to shooting Gromelski. He stated that prior to the shooting he showed Gromelski a photograph of his daughter and became upset by Gromelski's reaction. Rogers told investigators that he then shot Gromelski approximately five to six times.
Rogers further stated that after the shooting a neighbor approached the area, and he warned the individual not to come any closer or he would shoot him. Rogers also made statements alleging that Gromelski possessed inappropriate photographs of his one-year-old daughter and claimed that his actions were intended to protect her.
As part of the investigation, detectives located the photographs referenced by Rogers. Investigators determined the images depicted a fully clothed child and contained nothing provocative or inappropriate in nature.
Investigators also interviewed Rogers' mother, with whom he resides. She reported that Rogers had been "talking out of his head" for several days prior to the incident.
Following the investigation, Carl Woodrow Rogers was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail. He has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and two counts of Aggravated Assault.
