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!
Frank J. Comeau
Discovery Date: Dec 4, 1978
On December 4, 1978, around 7:30 p.m., 27-year-old Frank J. Comeau was following his wife from the Lakeland Blood Bank in a separate vehicle. His wife stopped and picked up a hitchhiker on South Florida Ave and was supposed to drop him off at I-4 & US Highway 98. The hitchhiker pulled a knife on Frank’s wife just north of I-4 on Highway 98 near the Foxfire Restaurant, and attempted to steal the car. Frank stopped behind his wife’s car and began fighting with the hitchhiker, who drove off, dragging the Frank under the vehicle and running over him. The hitchhiker then lost control of the vehicle, which overturned across from the Foxfire, and fled on foot.
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.