On Monday, May 12, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in the Secret Cove neighborhood of Lakeland, Florida, resulting in two fatalities. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd provided details during a press conference held at 5 PM.
Around 1:30 PM, a white Mercedes entered the Secret Cove subdivision off Reynolds Road. Witnesses observed a young Black male driving the vehicle, who briefly interacted with other individuals in the area. Suddenly, the car accelerated down Pirates Way at high speed and crashed into a residential home.
Upon arrival, first responders found the Mercedes fully embedded in the house. The driver was extracted from the vehicle and was discovered to have sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the response, authorities also discovered a second deceased individual beneath the vehicle. Investigations revealed that this person had been riding an electric bicycle when struck by the speeding Mercedes, which propelled him into the home.
Sheriff Judd stated that the driver had distinctive tattoos, including the phrase “The world is yours” on his chest and “Life is a gamble” on his hand. Inside the vehicle, deputies found two gallon-sized bags of marijuana and a substantial amount of cash.
Further investigation identified one of the individuals who had approached the Mercedes prior to the crash as the person responsible for shooting the driver. The incident is being treated as a double homicide, and the investigation is ongoing.
