Judge orders accused killer in New Year's shooting at Ormond bar ordered held without bond at Volusia County Branch Jail

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(Courtesy photo / OBPD). Christian Pursley, 37, of Ormond Beach is being held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder in the New Year's shooting at the Rockin' Ranch that resulted in the death of Keith Roberts, 36, of South Daytona, and injuries to the alleged gunman's estranged wife, Shannon Pursley, from shattered glass resulting from gunfire into the deceased man's vehicle.

ORMOND BEACH -- A regular patron at the Rockin' Ranch in Ormond Beach lost his life during the Early morning hours of New Year's Day and his alleged killer is not going to gain his freedom any time soon having been ordered held today without bond at his first appearance at the Volusia County Branch Jail.

Circuit Judge William Parsons ordered the no-bail status for Christian Pursley, 37, of Ormond Beach, charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder by Ormond Beach police.

If convicted of the charge of the primary charge, Pursley could spend the rest of his life in jail or even face the death penalty in the 2:30 a.m. shooting of Keith Roberts, 36, of South Daytona.

Pursley is presumed innocent throughout the legal process. Should the State Attorney's Office seek the death penalty, the Volusia grand jury would first have to hear the evidence before deciding whether to hand up an indictment to a circuit judge for trial..

Roberts was pronounced dead at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach after collapsing a block from the bar as he and the alleged gunman's estranged wife tried to flee from him as he allegedly opened fire with a handgun into the victim's pick-up truck, striking him at least once.

Pursley fled the scene, but was apprehended at his home after barricading himself inside, necessitating response from the Volusia Ciuunty Sheriff's SWAT Team. He surrendered and was taken into custody.