On August 10, 1982, husband and wife, 57-year-old Joseph and 52-year-old Peggy Asher, were shot to death in the living room of their office apartment at the Sands Motel, located at 830 Hwy 27 South in Lake Wales, after an apparent robbery attempt. The incident was witnessed by Mr. Asher’s elderly mother, who has since passed away. It is believed that Mr. Asher may have been involved in questionable business practices.

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.