Avon Park, FL Area Cold Cases

Name

Jashavantlal Patel

Age

54

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On june 20, 2008, at around 9:23 a.M., an unknown suspect entered rightway foods located at 404 us hwy 17-92 north in davenport, where 54-year-old jashavantlal patel worked as a clerk. The suspect attempted to rob the store and pointed a gun at patel. When patel reached under the counter for a pipe, the suspect shot him one time. The incident was captured by the store's surveillance system. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Octavio Hernandez

Age

25

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

The victim octavio hernandez was last seen alive leaving the rio grande bar in frostproof between midnight and 2:00 a.M. On may 11, 2008. He was found unresponsive, laying under a semi-truck trailer in the parking lot of ben hill griffin inc., located at 702 south scenic hwy in frostproof. Blunt force trauma was his cause of death and the manner was listed as homicide. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Estevan Rodriguez

Age

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

The victim estevan rodriguez was last seen alive on march 21, 2008, at 7:00 p.M. By a co-worker. He lived in a travel trailer on rhoden loop west in fort meade, and worked at that location. On march 22, 2008, estevan’s boss discovered his body laying just outside the door of the travel trailer with three gunshot wounds. Robbery is a possible motive. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Hailie Caples

Age

20

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On march 21, 2008, 20-month-old hailie caples’ stepmother put her to bed for the night around 7:10 p.M. The stepmother went in to check on her after hearing a loud noise in her room, and found the baby face down on the floor. Hailie was airlifted to arnold palmer children's hospital where she underwent emergency brain surgery to alleviate pressure on her brain. She later died. The medical examiner concluded that hailie died as a result of head trauma and listed the manner of death as homicide. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Gary Parker

Age

24

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

24-year-old gary robert parker was found by ems on march 20, 2008, around 9:30 a.M., when they were called to a house on kalogridis road in haines city. Parker's body was in the enclosed front porch, and detectives discovered that the front door of the residence had been forced open. Parker sustained a single gunshot wound to the left eye area. Investigation revealed the residence was a marijuana grow house, rented by agner vilarello-fernandez. It is believed that parker was attempting to break into the residence and vilarello-fernandez shot him during this attempt. Vilarello-fernandez is wanted for questioning in this case. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Yascara Yturradle

Age

28

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On october 12, 2007, 38-year-old yascara “jackie” yturradle’s remains were found in a 1996 jeep grand cherokee that was discovered submerged in the water at saddle creek park in lakeland. She had been reported missing on october 10, 2005. Her autopsy revealed that she died of two gunshot wounds to the head. Her manner of death was determined to be homicide. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Zachary Durham

Age

8

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On september 29, 2007, 8-week-old zachary durham’s father found the baby unresponsive and called 911. Ems transported zachary to the heart of florida hospital in haines city where he was pronounced dead. Head trauma was discovered during autopsy. The medical examiner advised that the injuries were a result of a traumatic injury. The cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma and the manner of death as homicide. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Jose Coronilla-garcia

Age

21

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On may 21, 2006, 21-year-old jose coronilla-garcia and his brother were entering their residence on goodyear avenue in lakeland when three black males approached on foot. One of the suspects fired a gun at them. The bullet struck the ground, ricocheted, hit jose’s brother in the leg, and then passed on, hitting jose in the back. He died at the scene. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Priteshkumar Amin

Age

33

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On april 1, 2005, 33-year-old priteshkumar “pat” amin was killed while working in his convenience store located at 201 sr 542 in dundee. Surveillance video shows that at approximately 7:10 a.M. That morning, a dark-colored, late model gmc yukon (seen in the photo here) backed up to the front door of the store. Four young black male suspects exited the vehicle and went inside the store. A gunshot can heard on the video, and shortly thereafter, the four suspects exit the store and leave in the yukon. A customer found amin behind the counter. He had been shot in the chest. Amin was known to keep large amounts of cash in the store to cash paychecks for customers. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Ezekiel Trugillo-rodriguez

Age

30

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On october 11, 2004, 30-year-old ezekiel trujillo-rodriguez was a patron at the el tanampa club, located at 2415 sr 60 west in lake wales. He became involved in a verbal altercation with another patron while inside the club. The altercation became physical, but was broken up by other patrons. Ezekiel exited the club and the suspect followed approximately ten minutes later. Witnesses heard gunshots, but did not exit the club to see what was taking place. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Charles Steele

Age

49

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

49-year-old charles g. Steele was a security guard who was found in a pool of blood on the north side of the piper aircraft in lakeland. He was shot through his left knee and bled to death between 5:00 a.M. And 5:42 a.M. On september 22, 1974. Pcso received a call during the time frame from an unknown female who advised she had just shot a man at piper aircraft. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Jose Revollar

Age

34

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

34-year-old jose revollar was found shot to death on 2nd street in the wahneta area of winter haven, on may 25, 1992.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Mary Tucker

Age

28

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On january 14, 1978, 28-year-old mary jane tucker and 34-year-old margaret grubbs locke were found deceased in the front yard of their residence in the wahneta area of winter haven. The medical examiner ruled both deaths as homicides with the causes of death being blunt force trauma to the backs of the heads. A bloody bat was located approximately 100 feet from the victims' residence.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Margaret Locke

Age

34

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On january 14, 1978, 28-year-old mary jane tucker and 34-year-old margaret grubbs locke were found deceased in the front yard of their residence in the wahneta area of winter haven. The medical examiner ruled both deaths as homicides with the causes of death being blunt force trauma to the backs of the heads. A bloody bat was located approximately 100 feet from the victims' residence.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Mary Vavrek

Age

80

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On november 12, 1992, 80-year-old mary vavrek was transported to winter haven hospital and died a short time later. The cause of death was listed as natural. The next day, the victim’s husband, 86-year-old andy vavrek, was transported to winter haven hospital in serious condition. On november 16, 1992, blood work revealed that mary had died from ingesting anti-freeze and her husband had also ingested anti-freeze. A bottle of sherry with anti-freeze was found in the liquor cabinet in the residence.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Priteshkumar Amin

Age

33

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On april 1, 2005, 33-year-old priteshkumar “pat” amin was killed while working in his convenience store located at 201 sr 542 in dundee. Surveillance video shows that at approximately 7:10 a.M. That morning, a dark-colored, late model gmc yukon (seen in the photo here) backed up to the front door of the store. Four young black male suspects exited the vehicle and went inside the store. A gunshot can heard on the video, and shortly thereafter, the four suspects exit the store and leave in the yukon. A customer found amin behind the counter. He had been shot in the chest. Amin was known to keep large amounts of cash in the store to cash paychecks for customers.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Marie Michel

Age

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Marie michel, a native of haiti, was found shot to death inside her daughter’s home located on sandpine trail in winter haven. Michel was last seen alive at 10:40 a.M. On december 11, 2003, babysitting her granddaughter while her daughter ran errands. When her daughter returned home at 12:15 p.M., she found her mother shot once in the head and her daughter locked in a bedroom, unharmed. Michel came to polk county to visit her daughter and daughter's boyfriend on december 5th, and planned to stay two weeks. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence and nothing appeared to have been taken. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Ronald Leggett

Age

Cause of Death

Knife/Stabbing

Info

On june 16, 2003, ronald leggett, a business owner in the lakeland area, was found murdered inside his residence on timberidge drive in lakeland. His parents discovered him when they went to check on his well-being. Leggett had not been heard from in several days. Leggett sustained multiple blunt force trauma and stab wounds. He owned many rental properties in the lakeland area and operated his own used appliance business. He was known to many area residents and friends as “santa claus." anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Kerry Lynn

Age

44

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

On saturday, september 15, 2001, 44-year-old kerry lynn of lakeland, was working at the construction site of the lakeland animal clinic located at 3421 lakeland hills blvd. He was found deceased at this location on sunday, september 16, 2001. Lynn's wallet and cell phone were missing. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Justin Composky

Age

7

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On june 12, 1989, around 10:00 a.M., 7-week-old justin composky was taken to a children's clinic by his parents. At the time, baby justin was not breathing and no definite heartbeat could be found. At 10:35 a.M., he was pronounced deceased. The autopsy determined that justin had old fractures to his back that were in various states of healing, and that he suffered hemorrhages and a subdural hematoma on his brain. The medical examiner ruled the manner of death as a homicide, and that the injuries received were classic signs of shaken baby syndrome. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Bonnie Morgan

Age

62

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

62-year-old bonnie morgan was discovered face down in her pool at approximately 2:45 p.M. On august 22, 1999, by her husband. They had recently discussed getting a divorce. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as fresh water drowning, and the manner as undetermined. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Enrique Ortiz

Age

46

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

The victim enrique flores ortiz was found on february 21, 1997, in the parking lot of allen's discount beverage in the eloise area of winter haven. The victim had been shot in the upper chest. This incident is believed to be drug-related. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Raul Trochez

Age

34

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On november 16, 1996, 34-year-old rodrigo orrostieta, and 32-year-old raul trochez, were found shot to death at the christmas tree mobile home park located on hutchins road in fort meade, after stopping to talk to a group of people in the park. The victims were found next to their vehicle. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Antonio Morales

Age

37

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

37-year-old antonio morales was found deceased on august 3, 1996, alongside rifle range road, just south of 7th street west in the wahneta area of winter haven. He had been shot several times and money was taken from him. He had been drinking at a party that evening. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

William Johnson

Age

69

Cause of Death

Knife/Stabbing

Info

On october 2, 1994, 69-year-old william “bubblegum” johnson was found stabbed to death at harrell’s scrap metal, 2243 mershon street in lakeland. He lived on the premises. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Diago Gomez

Age

15

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On april 10, 1993, 15-year-old diago gama gomez (female) and several other family members were in their residence at 204 hopson rd in frostproof, when three unknown black male suspects entered and started shooting. Diago was shot in the head and died at the scene. Several of her family members were also wounded during the shooting. The suspects fled the scene on foot where possibly two other suspects were waiting outside. Drugs were possibly involved. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Mary Vavrek

Age

80

Cause of Death

Poison

Info

On november 12, 1992, 80-year-old mary vavrek was transported to winter haven hospital and died a short time later. The cause of death was listed as natural. The next day, the victim’s husband, 86-year-old andy vavrek, was transported to winter haven hospital in serious condition. On november 16, 1992, blood work revealed that mary had died from ingesting anti-freeze and her husband had also ingested anti-freeze. A bottle of sherry with anti-freeze was found in the liquor cabinet in the residence. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Catherine Lee

Age

34

Cause of Death

Undetermined

Info

The victim vann catherine lee was found by a road crew on the north side of deen still road in polk city. She was last seen at her place of employment, the house of babes, located in fern park (near davenport), on the night of july 12, 1992. Her cause of death is undetermined but is classified as a homicide. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Larry Costine

Age

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Elwin “larry” costine was last seen early on the morning of may 3, 1992, when he dropped a friend off after having been to a rodeo the night before. He was last seen with melissa jo sermons, who he was reportedly dating. On may 4, 1992, costine was found in his residence, murdered. He had been shot several times. At the time he was discovered, there was no sign of sermons at his residence. Her family learned that she did not return home after leaving with him to attend the rodeo. Foul play is also suspected in sermons’ disappearance. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Roland Shelton

Age

62

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On january 1, 1992, 62-year-old roland lee shelton was found dead in an orange grove north of cox road in alturas. He had been shot three times in the head. Shelton was a transient who lived in the woods behind allen’s discount store in wahneta, and had been drinking prior to his death. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Andrew Varga

Age

70

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

On may 1, 1990, 70-year-old varga and his wife drove from oviedo to tampa, where he dropped his wife off for an 11:30 a.M. Hair appointment. Mr. Varga left the salon between 1:15 p.M. And 1:30 p.M. And told his wife that he would return in an hour. He left the salon in his vehicle, a 1985 dark blue chrysler fifth avenue. Mr. Varga never returned to pick up his wife. On may 3, 1990, at approx. 12:00p.M., mr. Varga’s body was found in a canal behind akerman, inc., located at 350 n. Galloway rd., lakeland. On may 3, 1990, at 9:25 p.M., mr. Varga’s vehicle was recovered on the 3000 block of north central avenue in tampa. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Sandra Johnson

Age

36

Cause of Death

Undetermined

Info

The victim sandra l. Johnson was last seen on april 20, 1989, at her place of employment, the wagon wheel café, on us hwy 17 south in bartow. On april 26, 1989, her body was found in a wooded area off old bartow/eagle lake road in bartow. Her panties and blue jeans were pulled down around her knees and her shirt was pulled up around her neck. Her cause of death is undetermined but it appears that she had extensive head damage. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Chuck Sterling

Age

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On november 10, 1986, around 11:30 p.M., chuck sterling was shot and severely beaten by an unknown white male suspect during an attempted armed robbery at the red barn restaurant, located at 6150 new tampa hwy in lakeland. Chuck and his wife were closing up the restaurant when the suspect entered and demanded money. There was a struggle over the gun with the suspect when the victim was fatally shot. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Theresa Scalf

Age

29

Cause of Death

Knife/Stabbing

Info

The victim theresa lee scalf, a nurse at lakeland regional health medical center, was found by her mother dead in her apartment. Her throat had been cut and she had defensive wounds on her hands. Scalf lived alone with her young son, who was not home at the time of the murder. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Ronette Peterson

Age

22

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On may 7, 1986, 22-year-old ronette peterson was found in a pit located near combee road in lakeland. She drowned after being struck in the head. Peterson remained a "Jane doe" for 19 years before her body was identified via fingerprints as a missing person from iowa. Detectives learned that she had traveled through arkansas, tennessee, alabama, south carolina, and florida (possibly the clearwater area) during the time period leading up to her death. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Peggy Asher

Age

52

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On august 10, 1982, husband and wife, 57-year-old joseph and 52-year-old peggy asher, were shot to death in the living room of their office apartment at the sands motel, located at 830 hwy 27 south in lake wales, after an apparent robbery attempt. The incident was witnessed by mr. Asher’s elderly mother, who has since passed away. It is believed that mr. Asher may have been involved in questionable business practices. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Otway Sigman

Age

59

Cause of Death

Knife/Stabbing

Info

On april 21, 1982, 59-year-old otway sigman was found laying on the kitchen floor of his residence in auburndale. He had been stabbed several times in the chest and throat. There were no signs of forced entry into his residence. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Harry Jernigan

Age

57

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

The victim harry paul “steve” jernigan was found in an orange grove off old bartow/lake wales rd in lake wales on january 10, 1982. He was shot while traveling east on sr 60 towards lake wales, and his body was dumped in an orange grove. Jernigan’s car, a 1977 buick estate station wagon with alabama tags was found burned in hillsborough county. He was in possession of several thousand dollars when he was found. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward contact heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-tips (8477).

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Vincent Bartley

Age

37

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On december 23, 1981, 37-year-old vincent bartley was shot to death with a small caliber handgun outside the sunset beer garden, located at 140 ave y ne in winter haven. Bartley had just shot someone else at the bar. After being shot, bartley was placed inside a vehicle and driven to bob’s billiards at the intersection of 1st street ne and avenue p ne in winter haven, where the car was abandoned with his body inside. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Charles Britton

Age

28

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

28-year-old charles britton was working as a store clerk at the shop-n-go located at 320 south combee road in lakeland. On july 12, 1981, he was forced into the cooler of the store and fatally shot with a shotgun during an attempted robbery. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Ray Sheffield

Age

59

Cause of Death

Hit and Run

Info

Between december 7th and 8th, 1979, 59-year-old ray sheffield was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle at the silver hill cemetery located on henry road in frostproof. His left front trouser pocket was turned out, indicating a possible robbery motive. Sheffield picked oranges in the frostproof area, and was last seen with two mexican males the day before his body was found. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Mary Tucker

Age

28

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On january 14, 1978, 28-year-old mary jane tucker and 34-year-old margaret grubbs locke were found deceased in the front yard of their residence in the wahneta area of winter haven. The medical examiner ruled both deaths as homicides with the causes of death being blunt force trauma to the backs of the heads. A bloody bat was located approximately 100 feet from the victims' residence. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Opal Williams

Age

21

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On march 9, 1977, 21-year-old opal williams was found in a wooded area approximately 3/10 of a mile west of us highway 27, south of k.O.A. Campground near lake wales. She was found laying face down and in a state of decomposition. Her cause of death was head trauma. Williams frequently left her home in davenport and hitch-hiked to avon park correctional institution to visit her husband, who was an inmate there. She was also known to frequent truck stops on us highway 27 to bum rides. At the time of her death, williams had a small child that she left at her parent’s house. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Willie Robinson

Age

45

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Around 4:33 p.M. On january 2, 1977, 45-year-old willie lee robinson was found dead in the front seat of his 1967 blue buick skylark, on the south side of lakeland hills blvd. And I-4 near lake crago, in lakeland. The keys to his car were found in his pocket. He had been shot several times in the head. He was a janitor at the lakeland police department. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Gaston Geer

Age

64

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

Between 10:00 and 10:30 p.M. On march 22, 1971, 64-year-old gaston lulle geer, owner of the lucerne park grocery located on lucerne park rd. (sr 544) in winter haven, was found dead inside the business. He had been struck several times on the head with his own handgun and was stabbed multiple times. Investigation revealed that $30 was missing from the cash register. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Margaret Locke

Age

34

Cause of Death

Blunt Force

Info

On january 14, 1978, 28-year-old mary jane tucker and 34-year-old margaret grubbs locke were found deceased in the front yard of their residence in the wahneta area of winter haven. The medical examiner ruled both deaths as homicides with the causes of death being blunt force trauma to the backs of the heads. A bloody bat was located approximately 100 feet from the victims' residence. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Jose Martinez

Age

49

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On january 1, 1978, 49-year-old jose figueroa martinez was shot to death inside mr. R’s lounge, located on us hwy 17/92 in haines city. Another victim was also shot, but survived his injuries. The suspect, an unknown mexican male, fled the scene in a dark-colored camaro with michigan tags. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Paul Crum

Age

50

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On october 11, 1976, 50-year-old paul douglas crum was fatally shot while driving his 1974 white and green ford pick-up truck on us highway 98, south at banana creek in lakeland. He had just left the service station that he owned. A money bag was missing from his vehicle. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Bonnie Hughes

Age

35

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

35-year-old bonnie williams hughes was found on february 11, 1976, approximately 200 yards south of cr 546, near the intersection of 546 and u.S. Highway 27. She had been beaten about her head and face. Her 1974 brown and gold cadillac sedan was found 50 feet from her body. She was 80% deaf in both ears, and was last seen at an oyster bar in winter haven with an unknown white male. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Name

Vivian Kenrick

Age

27

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On october 23, 1975, between 10:00 a.M. And 5:00 p.M., housewife 27-year-old vivian patricia kendrick was killed inside her home in auburndale. She was shot in the neck and face, and may have been sexually assaulted. She was found laying on the floor of the den with her infant child next to her. The baby was unharmed. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the polk county sheriff’s office homicide unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.Org.

Agency

Polk County Sheriff's Office