For Immediate Release

October 8, 2025

CROSS CITY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents continue to pursue leads in the 1974 homicide investigation of then-24-year-old James Norris and request the public’s help in cracking the 51-year-old cold case. 

James Norris’s murder is believed to be one of the oldest active homicide investigations in Florida and is Dixie County’s oldest homicide case. 

Investigators believe persons living in the Miami, Panama City and Steinhatchee areas and Citrus County may have information that could help solve this case. 

“Over the years that we’ve investigated Mr. Norris’ murder; we’ve gotten a lot of the pieces of the puzzle. Someone could be holding a piece of the puzzle that they may not realize fits into the big picture,” said FDLE Special Agent Supervisor Mike Kennedy. “If you were familiar with the Miami, Crystal River or Steinhatchee areas in 1974, you may have a piece of the puzzle that is critical to solving this case.” 

Investigators also believe persons who may have lived in, or have associates in the San Francisco and San Diego, California, Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, and Des Moines, Iowa areas, may have information about what happened to Norris.

Norris may have been known to people by the name Richard Gunning.

“We’re working for the family of Mr. Norris so they can find out what happened to their loved one,” said SAS Kennedy. “Even though it’s been more than 50 years, we do have persons of interest, and they should be held accountable for their actions even if it is 50 years later.” 

If you have information about the murder of James Norris, please contact FDLE Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820.

See more about the James Norris cold case here.

For Further Information Contact

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us