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!
Gary Robert Parker
Discovery Date: Mar 20, 2008
24-year-old Gary Robert Parker was found by EMS on March 20, 2008, around 9:30 a.m., when they were called to a house on Kalogridis Road in Haines City. Parker's body was in the enclosed front porch, and Detectives discovered that the front door of the residence had been forced open. Parker sustained a single gunshot wound to the left eye area. Investigation revealed the residence was a marijuana grow house, rented by Agner Vilarello-Fernandez. It is believed that Parker was attempting to break into the residence and Vilarello-Fernandez shot him during this attempt. Vilarello-Fernandez is wanted for questioning in this case.
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.