LAKELAND, FL (October 20, 2023) – This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary of 17-year-old Tye Ketchum. The family has given permission to release Tye’s name and photo in hopes that it will generate someone to come forward with information related to this case.
On Saturday, October 15, 2022, at approximately 10:17 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Park at Palazzo Apartments, located at 3685 Victoria Manor Drive, in reference to a male with critical injuries. On scene, officers located a 17-year-old male victim inside an apartment with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began securing the location and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from the Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
In March of this year, Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida announced a reward increase of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case. Although detectives continue to follow up on forensic evidence and leads related to this case, they are once again seeking any tips available from the public.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida. Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
Submitting a tip is easy:
- Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
- From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
- Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
- Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
—-————— Original Release ———
LAKELAND, FL (October 17, 2022) – On Saturday, October 15, 2022, at approximately 10:17 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Park at Palazzo Apartments, located at 3685 Victoria Manor Drive, in reference to a male with critical injuries. On scene, officers located a 17-year-old male victim inside an apartment with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began securing the location and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Detectives responded to the scene and began processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Zach Condo at 863.834.8958or [email protected].
Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:
- Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
- From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
- Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
- Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
The name of the victim is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law. There is no additional e available at this time. When available, additional information will be provided via media release.
