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!
Phoebe Winston
Discovery Date: Mar 27, 1979
On October 28, 1977, 23-year-old Phoebe Winston was reported missing from her home in Plant City. She was last seen driving a 1964 light blue Ford 4-door sedan, which was recovered on March 3, 1978, off Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Lakeland. On March 27, 1979, her skeletal remains were found in an open field northeast of Cleveland Heights Blvd. and Rolling Woods Lane in Lakeland. She had been shot in the head.
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.