Highland City, FL Area Cold Cases

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

Robert Berry

Age

41

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

The victim was shot to death by three unidentified individuals at his residence.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Amy Shaw

Age

45

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

The victim was found deceased outside of her residence at the above location.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Lloyd Gordon

Age

20

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Lloyd gordon and jose aguirre were discovered deceased and apparently sustained a single gunshot wound to each person. An unknown hispanic male was seen fleeing the scene on foot and was described as an associate of the deceased hispanic victim. This individual was also observed near the twilight zone lounge and appeared to be discarding items retrieved from the incident scene.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Jose Aguirre

Age

17

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Lloyd gordon and jose aguirre were discovered deceased and apparently sustained a single gunshot wound to each person. An unknown hispanic male was seen fleeing the scene on foot and was described as an associate of the deceased hispanic victim. This individual was also observed near the twilight zone lounge and appeared to be discarding items retrieved from the incident scene.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Moises Alfaro-Ramos

Age

27

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

The victim was shot and killed while at a marijuana grow house at this location.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Clyde Neil

Age

31

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On 01/19/1997, clyde neil was shot inside of a vehicle while leaving a bottle club located at state road 60 and sam hicks road, plant city, florida. His injuries caused paralysis, which left him immobile. On 05/17/2010, clyde neil died as a result of complications of his injuries caused by the gunshot wound.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Mahendra Persaud

Age

34

Cause of Death

Injury

Info

On 09/15/2007, mahendra persaud was shot in the back of the head at 3902 bruton road, plant city, florida, and died of his injuries.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Javier Bastida-Paulin

Age

31

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

The victim was located within a lake at the above location. The victim died as a result of upper body trauma.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Hector Garza Jr

Age

27

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

The victim was shot to death at the above residence by 4 masked home invaders.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Pascual Andres

Age

50

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

The victim was located deceased in an orange grove at the above location.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Leonel Ortega

Age

34

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On the above listed date the victim was found shot to death within an orange grove located west of nesmith road in plant city, fl

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Marie Porter

Age

38

Cause of Death

Injury

Info

Victim, marie f. Porter died as a result of injuries received during an attack in her residence.

Agency

Hillsborough County Sheriff

Name

Chuck Sterling

Age

Cause of Death

Shooting

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 chuck victim was fatally shot.

Agency

Polk County

Name

James Doolin

Age

20

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

20-year-old james doolin was shot once in the chest while sitting in his car during a drug buy on center street in the area of loughman on december 19, 1995. This incident is possibly related to a non-lethal shooting that occurred in the same area two hours earlier.

Agency

Polk County

Name

John Moxie

Age

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 19, 1981, between the hours of 1:30 – 1:45 a.M., john moxie was robbed and beaten in the parking lot of the peek-a-boo lounge, on us hwy 92, east of lakeland. He sustained a skull fracture and died the next day. It is believed that one of the dancers at the lounge set the victim up for a robbery.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Jose Coronilla-Garcia

Age

21

Cause of Death

Homicide

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Martha Ramsey

Age

35

Cause of Death

Sexually assaulted

Info

On march 31, 1981, 35-year-old martha ramsey was found in an orange grove off little zion road in davenport. She had been sexually assaulted and beaten to death. She was last seen leaving the winter haven food stamp office on foot. Ramsey had a history of mental illness.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Murray Delong

Age

61

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On may 16, 1997, 61-year-old murray “hoppy” delong was found dead in front of his storage shed located at 911 munn avenue in lakeland. Delong had been shot one time in the upper chest. A larger projectile had gone through the door and was recovered from the storage shed.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Nancy Lopez

Age

29

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On august 28, 1989, 29-year-old nancy lopez’s body was found in a wooded area off county road 54 in loughman. She was nude from the waist down. An autopsy revealed a stab wound to the back, which punctured the lung and aorta, resulting in her death. Lopez was a known prostitute and crack cocaine user.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Pamela Franklin

Age

20

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On november 24, 1994, 20-year-old pamela franklin, a prostitute and crack cocaine abuser, was found in an orange grove in the area of old dixie and saddle creek road in auburndale. She had been stabbed to death and her body was set on fire.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Paul Crum

Age

50

Cause of Death

Shooting

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.

Agency

Polk County