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!
Justin Composky
Discovery Date: Feb 25, 2001
On June 12, 1989, around 10:00 a.m., 7-week-old Justin Composky was taken to a children's clinic by his parents. At the time, baby Justin was not breathing and no definite heartbeat could be found. At 10:35 a.m., he was pronounced deceased. The autopsy determined that Justin had old fractures to his back that were in various states of healing, and that he suffered hemorrhages and a subdural hematoma on his brain. The Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death as a homicide, and that the injuries received were classic signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
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.