By Susan Hardee Steger
December 17, 2021
Deputy Chief Jeff Tambasco released information to the media regarding the South 13th Street homicide. According to Tambasco, Shawn Lamont Whigham was officially charged today “with felony murder, robbery home invasion, tampering with evidence, petit theft, and providing false information to a law enforcement officer.”
The body of Colleen Potts, a popular pet sitter, was found on October 24. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound. Although the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement collected a spent shell casing and a fired bullet from a 22 caliber firearm, there was no firearm found in the residence. On December 16, the Fernandina Beach Police with support from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant and the firearm was located. Whigham, a felon, was then arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On October 24, as Whigham entered the South 13th Street residence, he encountered Colleen Potts in the living room. After murdering her, he grabbed her purse and fled the scene.
After three interviews, Whigham confessed to the murder of Colleen Potts, and confessed to stealing $300 on October 22 from Pott’s vehicle. He also confessed to entering the residence on two occasions; October 23, and 24.
According to the police narrative, “Whigham’s confession was consistent with the evidence and interviews collected during the investigation.”
Wiggins remains in the Nassau County Jail from a previous charge for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Congrats to the police. They were very determined and methodical during this case. ♀️♂️