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!
Harry "Steve" Jernigan
Discovery Date: Jan 10, 1982
57-year-old Harry Paul “Steve” Jernigan was found in an orange grove off Old Bartow/Lake Wales Rd in Lake Wales on January 10, 1982. He was shot while traveling east on SR 60 towards Lake Wales, and his body was dumped in an orange grove. Jernigan’s car, a 1977 Buick Estate station wagon with Alabama tags was found burned in Hillsborough County. He was in possession of several thousand dollars when he was found.
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.