Wauchula, 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

Theodore King

Age

56

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Andrew Peiper

Age

27

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Dequante Yarde

Age

19

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Devon Washington

Age

24

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

The victim was at his residence when two unknown male subjects entered the residence in an attempt to rob him of his money and narcotics. The victim was shot multiple times and died at the scene. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the bartow police department at (863) 534-5034.

Agency

Bartow Police Department

Name

Mustak Ahmed

Age

58

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Richard Rooks

Age

19

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Tommy Johnson

Age

28

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

The victim's were at a private party playing cards when two unknown male subjects approached and attempted to rob the players. When the victim got up to run away, he was shot and killed at the scene. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the bartow police department at (863) 534-5034.

Agency

Bartow Police Department

Name

Antwan Reeves

Age

30

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Alton Perry

Age

30

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Christopher Smith

Age

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

On 10/01/2009 christopher deon smith was found deceased within his home in the nocatee community of desoto county. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Leon Brady

Age

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

On 10/23/2008 leon brady was killed near his home in the nocatee community of desoto county. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Eileen Seymour

Age

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

The body of ms. Eileen seymour was discovered in her home at lot 103, 1625 ne fiveash street in desoto county florida on march 02, 2006. From the scene it is obvious that seymour died as a result of homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Demario Johnson

Age

19

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

John Welles

Age

17

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

On 07/08/2003 the body of john welles, 17, was discovered in a body of water across from his residence off hansel road in desoto county florida. Welles was last known alive after returning from wal-mart the same afternoon and went the area alone to complete the last of his days chores. Determined after autopsy was the fact welles was the victim of murder. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Joseph Kinville

Age

16

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

On 03/01/99, the body of 16yoa joseph kinville was discovered in a field off robin road within desoto county florida. Kinville did suffer injury that resulted in his death. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Julian Mendiola

Age

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On 12/24/96 julian mendiola died as a result of a home invasion robbery in his home at 2173 ne goolsby ave. Investigators discovered that two masked assailants had entered the home demanding money. Mendiola was shot when he resisted his attackers. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Darlene Carter

Age

29

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Derrick Gray

Age

25

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

Was reported missing on february 20, 1996. On june 3, 1996, a body identified as darlene carter was discovered. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the sebring police department at (863) 471-5108. To submit a tip anonymously and be eligible for a cash reward, call the heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.

Agency

Sebring Police Department

Name

Antonio Salgado

Age

25

Cause of Death

Gun/Firearm

Info

On december 14, 1980 salgado was shot during a bar fight at the la cantina at 525 s. Main st., lake placid. If you have any information on this case please call the highlands county sheriff's office at (863) 402-7200. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.

Agency

Highlands County Sheriff's Office

Name

Merritt Wheeler Sr

Age

36

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

During 10/08/1980 the body of 36yoa merritt wheeler sr. Was discovered in horse creek near the bridge at cr 769 within desoto county florida. Based on the facts from the scene, it was clear wheeler had suffered substantial injury before being placed into the body of water. Merritt wheeler is a victim of murder. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

William Hinote

Age

64

Cause of Death

Fire/Arson

Info

On may 13, 1979 at about 3:00am, a fire completely destroyed the victim's mobile home near venus florida. On may 14, 1979 at about 7:00pm, the victim was found in the remains of the residential fire by neighbors. He was burned beyond recognition, but identified via medical records. If you have any information on this case please call the highlands county sheriff's office at (863) 402-7200. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call heartland crime stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.

Agency

Highlands County Sheriff's Office

Name

Michael Chitwood

Age

Cause of Death

Murder

Info

Michael roger chitwood was reportedly abducted from his home in desoto county florida on 08/12/1975. Chitwood's body was then discovered 08/14/75, in the kissimmee river within okeechobeecounty. From evidence, it is obvious that chitwood was murdered and intentionally placed in the body of water. Anyone with information is asked to call the criminal investigations division of the desoto county sheriff's office at (863) 993-4700 or southwest florida crime stoppers 1-800-780-tips. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible. Those who have withheld information about the homicide, and are not involved, will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

Agency

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Name

Andrew Varga

Age

70

Cause of Death

Homicide

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Antonio Morales

Age

37

Cause of Death

Shooting

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Jeanifer Weldon

Age

15

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

15-year-old jeanifer weldon was reported missing on september 21, 1987, after she failed to return home from a friend’s house. She was last seen on september 19, 1987, near a carnival at us hwy 98 north and daughtry road in lakeland, walking northbound on us 98 in the area of shadow drive. Her body was found on october 2, 1987, on gardiner mine property near bowling green road in fort meade. The cause of death is possibly strangulation.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Joseph Asher

Age

57

Cause of Death

Shooting

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Peggy Asher

Age

52

Cause of Death

Shooting

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Katherine Courtney

Age

24

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On may 3, 1990, 24-year-old katherine theresa courtney was found dead on the north side of almburg road, north of the waverly area of lake wales. She had been beaten and strangled. Courtney frequented hobb’s road and derby avenue in auburndale.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Octavio Hernandez

Age

25

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

25-year-old 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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Opal Williams

Age

21

Cause of Death

Trauma

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Raul Trochez

Age

32

Cause of Death

Shooting

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Rodrigo Orrostieta

Age

34

Cause of Death

Shooting

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Ray Sheffield

Age

59

Cause of Death

Homicide

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.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Rose Oliver

Age

21

Cause of Death

Stabbing

Info

On march 31, 1974, 21-year-old rose oliver was found in an orange grove located ½ mile north of cr 546 and ½ mile east of us highway 27 in lake wales. She had been stabbed in the chest. A suitcase was found next to her body. She was known to hitchhike.

Agency

Polk County

Name

Sandra Johnson

Age

36

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

36-year-old 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.

Agency

Polk County