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Cold Case Homicides

From June 2008 until June 2019, the Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit maintained a 100% clearance rate on all homicides investigated within the PCSO jurisdiction. 

The two most recent unsolved homicides - those of Shay Collins in June 2019 and Alphonsa Payne in May 2020 - are listed here along with all other unsolved homicides back to 1961.

Our Cold Case Unit is dedicated to solving these homicides and bringing justice to these victims' families.

Can you help? Click the links below to view information about unsolved Polk County Homicides. Photos are included if available. If you have any information concerning an unsolved homicide, please contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigations 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 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!

Juan Doe - 1992

Juan Doe - 1992

Discovery Date: Nov 28, 1992

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying an unidentified Hispanic male who was found murdered in an orange grove off Old Stokes Road in Frostproof, Florida, on November 28, 1992. Investigators believe the victim may have been relatively new to the Frostproof area; however, he may have frequented the Rio Grande Lounge in Frostproof.

Investigators are still seeking to identify this unknown individual and known relatives.  

VICTIM DESCRIPTION:

  • Hispanic male, believed to have been approximately 19–23 years old.
  • Approximately 5 feet 2½ inches tall.
  • Approximately 125 pounds.
  • Black hair and brown eyes.
  • Thin black mustache and facial hair.

DISTINCTIVE IDENTIFYING MARKS

  • Tattoo consisting of the initials J.Y.P. on the left upper arm/shoulder.

Investigators are asking for assistance from:

  • Anyone who recognizes the composite drawing.
  • Individuals who had family members or friends disappear in or around late 1992.
  • Families in Mexico who may have lost contact with a son, brother, cousin, or other male relative.
  • Individuals who traveled from Mexico to Florida for agricultural work during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • Former residents and employees of the Frostproof area who may remember this individual.
  • Anyone who remembers a person with the initials J.Y.P. tattooed on his left upper arm or shoulder.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (863) 298-6379, Detective Danny Peters at (863) 298-6938, or send an email to dpeters@polksheriff.org or coldcase@polksheriff.org.