Teen Sought in Beating Death Surrenders
A man riding a bicycle on Combee Road was beaten by three teenagers and died Saturday night, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. Three teens have been arrested including one who surrendered at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday night. The name of the man who was killed has not been released while authorities contact his next of kin.
The three teens have been charged with second-degree murder.
In custody are 15-year-old Cody Osborne of 2656 Williston Drive in Lakeland and 17-year-old Shawn Casey Whitten of 4420 Sand Mountain Loop Road in Auburndale, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Christopher Shane Decatur, 18, of 2708 Mineola Drive in Lakeland, surrendered Sunday night.
The Sheriff’s Office gave this account of what happened:
About 9:10 p.m. Saturday, a man was riding his bicycle near Tom’s Restaurant at 1349 Combee Road and exchanged words with Decatur who was with a group of friends outside the restaurant.
Decatur, Osborne and Whitten all struck the man, the Sheriff’s Office said.
“A concerned citizen intervened, dispersed the suspects and contacted EMS. The victim died at the scene,” a sheriff’s report said.
Detectives located Osborne in the Eaton Park area. Whitten was found at his residence. Both were arrested.
Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Decatur. who may have injuries to both hands and possible lacerations. He is 5-foot, 8-inches tall with a heavy build, dark hair and brown eyes.
Detective David Lopez can be reached at 863-534-6379 or 863-534-6200, or through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
