News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Alicia Manautou. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Jan 31, 2024

Polk County murder suspect captured

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

The man who was wanted for a murder in Poinciana last week has been captured.

23-year old Kwavaughn Armani Buckley was arrested at his residence Tuesday afternoon (January 30, 2024) by the Winter Park Police Department on the Polk County warrant. He was booked-into the Orange County Jail and will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later time.

Buckley is facing charges for Felony First Degree Murder (FC) and Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery (FL).

“I want to acknowledge not only the great work by our Homicide detectives, but also the Winter Park Police Department in capturing our murder suspect. They also recovered a firearm that we are working to confirm as the possible murder weapon. With this arrest, a very dangerous man is now locked up.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

On the evening of Thursday, January 25th, Buckley went to the Poinciana residence of 36-year old Jeremiah Aguirre and shot him. Aguirre’s body was found by relatives the following Saturday.

Based on evidence collected and interviews, homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office determined that Buckley went to Aguirre’s home on Thursday and forced entry into the home.

Buckley then shot Aguirre twice—one of which was a fatal wound to the abdomen.