Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
pcso
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!
Mary Vavrek
Discovery Date: Nov 12, 1992
On November 12, 1992, 80-year-old Mary Vavrek was transported to Winter Haven Hospital and died a short time later. The cause of death was listed as natural. The next day, the victim’s husband, 86-year-old Andy Vavrek, was transported to Winter Haven Hospital in serious condition. On November 16, 1992, blood work revealed that Mary had died from ingesting anti-freeze and her husband had also ingested anti-freeze. A bottle of Sherry with anti-freeze was found in the liquor cabinet in the residence.
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.