Investigators with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office received a May 9 tip that a body was buried at 4562 Simpson Street in the Bagdad community. With this information, a lengthy investigation began.
The resident of the address was identified as Johnny Edwards Malisham,60 years of age. Investigators discovered sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Malisham, on homicide charges.
Major Crimes Detectives, Crime Scene, cadaver dogs, and a local university anthropology department personnel assisted in the search for a body. Within a short period of time, the unidentified remains of a human were located on the property.
Per his arrest report, the suspect admitted that he had killed missing Milton woman Cynthia Hoover, 60, with a hatchet then burying her in his yard beneath a burn pile.
Hoover went missing March 8,and her car was later found along Interstate 10 not far from Bagdad.
Currently, the case remains active. The process of identifying the deceased is underway. As more information is developed, we will issue an additional press release.
