Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
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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 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!
Elwin "Larry" Costine
Discovery Date: May 3, 1992
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.