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!
Marie Michel
Discovery Date: Dec 11, 2003
Marie Michel, a native of Haiti, was found shot to death inside her daughter’s home located on Sandpine Trail in Winter Haven. Michel was last seen alive at 10:40 a.m. on December 11, 2003, babysitting her granddaughter while her daughter ran errands. When her daughter returned home at 12:15 p.m., she found her mother shot once in the head and her daughter locked in a bedroom, unharmed.
Michel came to Polk County to visit her daughter and daughter's boyfriend on December 5th, and planned to stay two weeks. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence and nothing appeared to have been taken.
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.