On Wednesday November 16th at approximately 11:44 P.M., the Lake Wales Police Department responded to a shooting at the Garden Apartments located at 504 South 4th Street Lake Wales, FL. On arrival, police learned two men had been shot. A parked car along with an apartment were also hit with projectiles. Both victims were transported to the Lakeland Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. At this time, the shooter(s) have not been identified and the investigation is active.
A resident in the apartment complex told Lake Wales Daily “This community isn’t getting any better. Things are just getting worse out here.”.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Petkevich at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). From your cell phone, you can dial **TIPS. Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”. Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Local Author Offers Fantasy and Adventure in Debut Novel “The Light Prince: Grail”
By Allison Williams
Photos provided by J.C. Alexandre
Long ago, the land of Arden fell under siege to the Dark Dragon. One warrior arose to vanquish this evil, and in doing so, sacrificed his own life. This warrior became known as the Light Prince, and he slew the great evil with his legendary sword Grail.
Centuries later, a young girl named Amber stumbles into Arden from our world. There, an evil wizard seeks to resurrect the Dark Dragon and destroy this magical land. Unless Amber can find and master Grail, Arden is doomed to fall into darkness. To prevail, she must find faith in herself, her new friends, and the Light Prince.
The Light Prince: Grail is the debut fantasy novel written by local author, J.C. Alexandre. More than simply an enthralling story of fantasy, action, and adventure, the book illustrates the importance of faith and how it can provide a guiding light through even the darkest times.
“Faith is essentially the central theme,” Alexandre said. “It’s about learning to have faith in yourself, in others, and in a higher power.”
Ever since he could pick up a pencil, J.C. Alexandre (the penname of the local Polk County author) had a passion for writing. In elementary school, his proficient vocabulary and language art skills surpassed his classmates and became noticed by his teachers. He would put his skills to good use at home assembling his own personal storybooks.
“As a kid, I had a little desk in the living room, which later was moved to my bedroom,” Alexandre said. “It was there that I would often do a lot of writing.”
His imagination ran wild as he stapled lined pages together to illustrate them and pen his stories. As he grew older, he became interested in fanfiction, creating stories based on his favorite television shows and sharing them on the internet.
Alexandre’s passion for writing continued into college. He graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2009 with his bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in journalism. Though Alexandre has spent the last decade freelancing articles for several local publications, he feels his true calling is fiction.
“I especially like fantasy because I love being able to imagine a world different from our current reality,” Alexandre explained. “I like that sense of adventure and exploration, of going into a completely different world and seeing what it has to offer. It’s all about that sense of adventure, that whole power fantasy of being able to be [someone] greater than yourself, being able to make something of yourself…That overall sense of escapism is what I really enjoy.”
Currently, he is a member of several local writers groups including Winter Haven Writers, Writers 4 All Seasons in Lakeland, and an on-line discussion group run by the Florida Writers Association. The latter group has assisted him the most with proofreading and editing his current work including his novel.
Alexandre spent many years working on his fantasy novel. The COVID-19 pandemic especially prompted him to complete the story he had in his head for so many years. After spending the past year commissioning a book cover and editing and proofreading his final draft, he self-published his debut novel on Amazon in March.
“I decided, you know, the world’s falling apart so I might as well take this opportunity to finally achieve my dream,” he explained.
His main inspirations are the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. However, his works are equally inspired by video games like the Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts, television shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender, and by Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars movies.
“Most writers often list their literary inspirations; however, in this day and age, writers are influenced by more than just their favorite books,” he explained. “I’m just as inspired by the works of Shigeru Miyamoto and Tetsuya Nomura as I am by Tolkien and Lewis. All of my favorite books, movies, shows, and games interlap and come together to influence my work.”
Even music inspires him. While writing, Alexandre listens to ambient music on YouTube as source of white noise to aid his concentration and inspiration. Currently, he enjoys listening to the fantasy music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter.
Since publishing his debut novel, Alexandre has been hard at work writing more stories in his Light Prince series. His latest novella, Tyler’s Journey, was recently published on Nov. 15. It serves as a side-story to his main novel and helps flesh out one of its secondary characters.
Tyler’s Journey follows the titular character, Tyler, a boy who joins Amber on her journey to the magical world of Arden. It follows his time in the real-world, where he lives in a successful, educated family and struggles to live up to the successes of his siblings and parents.
Alexandre is also currently working on a series of short stories, which will follow new characters in the world of Arden and help set up the main storyline that will be told in the next main installment of the series. He plans on publishing these short stories sometime next year.
The Light Prince: Grail is currently available in e-book and paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578831082. To learn more about J.C. Alexandra and follow his writing journey, visit his website at: http://jcalexandre.com.
Welcome, World Travelers: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Goes Strong
by James Coulter
Black Panther may not have been the first black-led superhero movie, but it was certainly the first to make a significant cultural impact in mainstream cinema. With its afro-futuristic setting, pan-African cultural influences, hip-hop-inspired soundtrack,and a relevant socio-political message, the 2018 film not only offered a filmgoing experience culturally unique from other modern superhero movies, but it also allowed black filmgoers, especially young black children, an opportunity to see themselves feel seen and represented within the biggest major film franchise—and making it all possible was the impeccable performance of its lead actor, Chadwick Boseman.
Sadly, only two years after his film’s theatrical release, Boseman passed away after a years-long fight with cancer. With a sequel already planned, fans wondered what actor would replace him in his iconic role—and when it was announced his character would not be recast, they worried how the film could carry on without him. After all, a Black Panther film without Black Panther is like a Superman movie without Superman or a Batman movie without Batman. It’s inconceivable! Can it be done? Could it be done? And would it be done well?
With the much-anticipated sequel, Wakanda Forever, finally in theaters, the question remains: can a Black Panther movie succeed without Black Panther? Can this movie surpass the original, and can it properly honor the legacy of Chadwick Boseman? Can Wakanda Forever make the Black Pantherfranchise live on forever, or is it fated to sinker deeper than the city of Talokan?
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, one year has passed since the untimely death of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda and the bearer of the mantle of Black Panther. Without their ruler and protector, the Kingdom of Wakanda is left vulnerable to outside forces seeking to steal its most precious resource, Vibranium. Many other countries have seized this opportunity to either rob the rare metal from Wakanda or to track it down from other places around the world.
This worldwide hunt for Vibranium catches the attention of underwater-dwelling sea creatures called submariners and their hidden ancient civilization, Talokan. Their leader, Namor, fearing this search will inevitably lead to their city’s discovery and exploitation, decides to declare war on the outside world. He approaches Wakanda with an ultimatum: either join them or fight them. Will Wakanda join the war, or will they be caught in the crossfire?
Fittingly enough, this installment of the Black Panther franchise utilizes the untimely absence of its main character and starring actor as its thematic focus. Ryan Coogler and his team knew no actor could properly replace Chadwick Boseman, so they decided to make a movie without him and make his absence its core thematic element.
Wakanda Forever heavily focuses on the characters reacting to the death of T’Challa (and, in turn, his actor). Princess Shuri and the other Wakandan nobles remain divided and undecided over how to move their kingdom forward without his leadership, most of the main characters deal with the grief over mourning his death, while the rest of the world exploits his absence as an opportunity to strike Wakanda when it is at its weakest. What results is a move that both mourns the loss of T’Challa/Boseman and celebrates his legacy.
In place of T’Challa, the movie focuses on Princess Shuri as its main character. Not only does she struggle with her grief over the passing of her brother, but also the guilt she feels at not being able to save him, despite coming close to devising a cure for his terminal ailment. Through the film, she learns to come to terms with her emotions and not give in to despair or vengeance—which she comes close to due to other circumstances.
The other characters like Okoye and M’Baku have their moments as well, but their performances are otherwise overshadowed and underplayed by the rivalry between Shuri and the film’s antagonist, Namor. The most notable example is Commander Ross, who I’m thoroughly convinced only appears in this movie because he appeared in the original movie. Even Riri Williams (Ironheart), despite this movie being her MCU debut, seems severely underplayed in a not-to-dissimilar fashion as America Chavez in Multiverse of Madness.
By far, the movie’s biggest draw is its world-building. True to its name, Wakanda Forever further fleshes out the fictional civilization of Wakanda and leans in heavily to its African cultural influences. Black Panther, as well as other movies like Shang-Chi, succeed in diversifying the world of the otherwise American/Eurocentric MCU, providing greater representation and incorporating other cultures and ethnicities into this melting pot of a franchise, thus providing an overall richer cultural experience.
This is especially true with the new underwater civilization of Talokan. Underwater cities have been depicted in cinema before, but Talokan, which is heavily influenced by Mesoamerican culture, offers a truly unique and refreshing take on the trope. Even Namor is faithfully translated into his new culture and origin while maintaining his original character design, including his green shorts, pointed ears, and winged feet.
Unfortunately, the movie’s biggest drawback is the pacing, which is dragged out by its exceedingly long runtime. This movie is nearly three hours long, and in many scenes, it certainly feels like it. I love Marvel movies, but I remember when most of them were less than two hours long, and having to watch more than two hours felt tedious and tiring. It makes watching these movies feel less like an experience and more like a chore to get through.
Overall, this movie manages to shine, even in the absence of its shining star, and its themes and worldbuilding more than do it justice. But, like most other Marvel movies these days, the film is set back by its pacing and run time. (Hey, Marvel, why not release a movie less than two hours long?) Either way, this film manages to do justice to Boseman’s legacy. Wakanda forever!
Bartow Chalk Walk Celebrates 5th Year with Grady Judd Sidewalk Drawing
by James Coulter
When Matt McCalister thinks of Polk County, he thinks of the Honorable Sheriff Grady Judd. So this chalk artist from Palmetto, FL could think of no better subject for his chalk drawing masterpiece than the Honorable Sheriff.
McCallister was one of 18 chalk artists from across the state, country, and even world to congregate along the sidewalks of Downtown Bartow for the 5th Annual Bartow Chalk Walk, hosted by Main Street Bartow.
As someone who normally paints murals full-time, McCallister is used to creating large art pieces. He has been creating chalk drawings for the past 10 years, and this was his second year attending the annual chalk art festival.
“I just love Bartow with a small-town view. It is a good turnout…[and] artists love these bigger crowds,” he said. “I chose Grady [as my subject] because when I think of Polk County, he is who I think of first.”
Last weekend, the Bartow Chalk Walk drew in large crowds of artists and attendees alike. The event had previously been scheduled for early October but had to be postponed and re-scheduled due to Hurricane Ian. Being hosted alongside the Classic Car Show and Honey Bee Festival allowed for a much larger turnout than in previous years, explained event organizer Trish Pfeiffer.
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“So that seems to be working well, it looks like a really big crowd,” she said. “I love being outside seeing the people create street art. It is cool…[and people like it] because they are curious. They see it, and like it, and they come back.”
Both a people’s choice and sponsor award were conferred. The people’s choice went to the Integrity School of the Arts, whose art class created a skewed perspective art piece of the local Wonder House. Dennis Ward, the head art teacher, was proud of his students and their accomplishment.
“It feels really good,” he said. “I am proud of the group. Being an art teacher, it is really rewarding to see my students shine and show their talents.”
Hilary Frambes won the sponsor award for her abstract art piece which blended outer space with a human head. She normally draws botanical pieces with portraits, and this year, she decided to do something truly out of this world. As a professional artist who has been chalk drawing since 2006, and who attended the festival last year, she loves being able to flex her skills at events like this.
“I am excited and shocked because there are so many pieces here,” she said. “I was here last year. I love this festival. The surface is great to chalk in and, I love to see what everyone comes up with. It is great to see chalk friends and chalk alongside them.”
Update: As an update to the Poinciana hit-and-run crash from earlier today, Pierre Carmelo Jacinthe was arrested and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries (F2) and Tampering with Evidence (F3). He told detectives that he struck the child by accident, panicked, and then fled the scene. He then hid his vehicle in the garage at his residence where detectives located it.
“I’ve said it before, if you are involved in a crash, stop and call law enforcement. Leaving the scene of a crash is unacceptable. Thankfully, the 11-year-old should make a full recovery, but the driver now faces felony charges. If he would have just remained at the scene, he might not have been charged with two felonies.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Original Press Release
In response to your inquires, the PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a hit and run traffic crash involving an 11-year-old pedestrian. The child has a broken leg and was transported to a hospital to be treated for the injuries.
The crash occurred around 8 a.m. this morning, November 15, 2022 at the intersection of Cedar Side Drive and Rio Grande Canyon Loop in Poinciana. The suspect fled the scene in a dark colored Toyota 4-Runner. Deputies quickly located the vehicle and identified the suspect as 66-year-old Pierre Carmelo Jacinthe of Poinciana. Around 10:45 a.m., Jacinthe turned himself in at the Davenport Police Department.
Local Polk County Teenager Competes In Finals At 2022 NBHA Open and Senior World Championships
By Allison Williams
Photos provided by Stephanie Randell & Selena Buck
Hayleigh Rodgers is a local 13-year-old who has grown up in Polk County. She grew up in Lake Wales and now resides in Winter Haven. She has always loved the outdoors and has a special place in her heart for animals.
When she was just six years old, her interest for horses emerged. She trained for about a year and a half and by the age of eight, she was competing.
The finals for the 2022 National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Open and Senior World Championships took place this past weekend at the National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.
Hayleigh did a lot of preparing for finals. The sweepstakes took place the first Sunday they were in Georgia. This was a separate race that they decided to enter so that her horses could get some practice runs in and get used to the environment and get a feel for the arena.
Hayleigh currently has two horses that she competes with. Reba, her female horse, has been with her for about five years competing. Diesel, her male horse, has been with her for less than a year.
Sweepstakes results (Sunday, Oct. 30)
Diesel: Ran a 16.0
Though Diesel did not place, he had a great run.
Reba: Ran a 16.6
2nd place in 5D
Won $972
Round 1 of World Championships (Monday, Oct. 31)
Diesel: Ran a 15.9
Placed 4th in 3D in the Troxel Helmet Sidepot
Won $120
Placed 1st in 3D in the Youth Sidepot
Won $167
Reba: Ran a 16.1 in 4D
This run qualified Reba for finals, placing 7th in the 4D
Won $551
Placed in Women Sidepot
4th in the 4D
Won $158
Round 2 of World Championships (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
Diesel: hit first barrel – scored a ‘no time’
Diesel was then sent to redemption round on Friday
Reba: Ran a 15.7 in 3D
Won $284
Redemption Round of World Championships (Friday, Nov. 4)
Diesel: Ran a 16.0
Though it was not enough to qualify finals, Hayleigh wad very proud of him for how he did on his first time there with her at the championships.
Finals of World Championships (Saturday, Nov. 5)
Reba: Ran a 15.8
Did not place but was a wonderful experience to have Reba qualify for finals
After all was said and done, Hayleigh and her horses walked away with a finalist buckle and around $2,300 (six checks). She was very proud of her horses.
Hayleigh enjoys barrel racing with her two horses, Diesel and Reba. This is what she did at the World Championships. She also enjoys occasionally taking her horses to fun shows where they use poles and race in speed events. She does this sometimes for fun on the side.
“My favorite thing about barrel racing is probably spending time with the animals and being outside,” Hayleigh said. “I like a whole bunch of animals, so it’s really fun to spend time with them. I have been training with my coach Holly Calhoun for the past five years in Bartow, Florida. I like the feeling of the adrenaline before you go run your horse. It’s great.”
Hayleigh’s grandmother Stephanie Randell is very proud of Hayleigh and of the horses. It is not easy working with horses and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
“A lot of people just think you jump on a horse and you ride but when you have performance horses like we do, there’s a lot that goes with it,” Randell explained. “You have a farrier, you have a chiropractor who has to adjust the horses. You have to keep them up to date with the vet.”
Performance horses go through a lot of training and take a lot to remain healthy and race-ready.
Randell added, “They run really hard, and going around those barrels, they’re bending and pushing just like a human does. They get put out and they have to be adjusted and put back in place or else they get very sore.”
Along with taking good care of the horses, Hayleigh also has to keep up with her studies, being a school student. This past semester she was able to maintain all A’s and B’s. She is able to balance her school work and her horse competitions well.
Next up for Hayleigh is a NBHA Show on November 26 in Wauchula. When she competes in these shows each month, they are what earns her points and qualifies her for larger events, such as the Open Worlds or Youth Worlds.
Currently, Hayleigh sits in 1st place for the Youth in her district for the NBHA. She looks forward to having Reba and Diesel continue to compete alongside her in the future.
Makayla and Kiley Buck are also Polk County teens who competed in the World Championships. Makayla has been riding since the age of 8 and started competing in barrel racing just a year later. Kiley started competing when she was age 9.
Makayla, age 13, placed 2nd in the 5D in round 2 with a time of 16.715. She made it into the finals but was bumped down out of the money with a time of 16.354. She placed 30th in the 4D.
Kiley, age 18, placed 54th in round one in the 2D.
She was 90th overall fastest out of 840 riders.
Like Hayleigh, these sisters also love the sport.
“My favorite part of competing is when we go out there and have an amazing run” Makayla said. “We work so hard at home, and it’s a wonderful feeling when it all comes together. Outlaw is an amazing horse and my best friend.”
Her sister Kiley said, “In October of 2019, I became the lucky owner of my horse, Grace. Because she was a high-strung three-year-old, it took a while to figure out each other. After a lot of work with blood, sweat, and tears, here we are at NBHA world, and she placed in the top 90 fastest runners out of 840 riders. This is why I like to compete. We lay all our hard work out there and can have a great time. Although every run isn’t perfect and mistakes happen, I am just so proud of how far we have come and can’t wait for our future together!”
Brian Haas, State Attorney For The 10th Judicial Circuit, Hosting Seal And Expunge Event November 15
By Allison Williams
Coming up on November 15 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Brian Haas, State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit, will be hosting a Seal and Expunge Event. The event will take place at the Lake Eva Event Center, located at 799 Johns Ave, Haines City, FL 33844.
Haas, being the State Attorney for the 10th Judicial, is responsible for criminal prosecutions that occur within Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties.
Jacob S. Orr, Assistant State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit says, “This event is to assist individuals that are eligible to have their records expunged. Anyone who was convicted of a crime is not eligible. The law allows for individuals that may have been arrested or charged but were not convicted to have their records expunged.”
He added, “Also, the law limits this to individuals that have no other record of convictions. So, anyone who has never been convicted of any crime but was arrested (only 1x) and the charges were eventually dropped, can apply to have their record expunged.”
With that being said, Orr explains that there are certain restrictions on the type of charge. The conditions can get confusing, so he urges those with questions to call the Office of the State Attorney ahead of time so that they can find out whether or not they are eligible.
“The hope is that these individuals, with arrest records expunged, can then become productive members of society.” Orr said.
On Saturday 11/12/2022, Officer Schulze noticed a vehicle matching one usually driven by Carlos Williams,who is wanted on multiple violent felony crimes. This vehicle was parked at the Prince of Wales motel in front of room #5. Carlos Williams is 24 years old and from Winter Haven. He is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence charges. He holds an active warrant with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Officer Schulze spoke with Shanell Mickel who was staying in room #5. Shanell is 43 years old and is from Lake Wales. Officer Schulze asked if Carlos Williams was there. Shanell said she had recently been with Carlos however he was not there now. She allowed officers inside her motel room to confirm. While Officer Schulze was inside the motel room, he noticed cocaine on the dresser and night stand along with Xanax. He did not locate Carlos inside. Schulze requested detectives from the Lake Wales Police Department to respond and obtaina search warrant for the room.
The search warrant was served and revealed not only illicit drugs but illegally possessed prescription drugs. Officers and detectives located 171.6 grams of cocaine, 193 Xanax pills weighing 72.6 grams, and 24 Hydrocodone pills weighing 17.7 grams. A scale with cocaine residue, baggies and other miscellaneous paraphernalia were located as well. A total of $4,064.00 in cash was also seized during this encounter which was found with the drugs.
Shanell Mickel was charged with Possession of Alprazolam with the intent to sell, trafficking in cocaine over 28 grams, trafficking in Oxycodone greater than 14 grams, and maintaining a structure/conveyance for drug related purposes. Her arrest history includes cocaine possession, resisting arrest, false ID to LEO, and other drug charges.
Carlos Williams is still at large and is considered to be armed and dangerous. His arrest history includes armed robbery with a firearm, drug charges, domestic battery, and possession of a concealed firearm.
Carlos Williams
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sarah Sittnick or Officer Terry Schulze at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Wanted Felon Accused Of Strangling Woman Was Shot By Winter Haven Police
This is a follow-up to the initial release of the officer-involved shooting in Winter Haven this morning.
On 11/10/22 at approximately 3:52 a.m., officers responded to an apartment at Haven at Lake Deer involving a female who had been strangled and pushed into a wall by 43 year-old Jason Pickles (DOB 5/19/79). Pickles had an outstanding warrant from an incident that occurred on 10/25/22 for Felony Battery Prior Conviction.
When officers arrived, Pickles had already left the property. A complaint affidavit was issued for Pickles regarding this case. Through the early morning hours, officers continued to monitor the location and when Pickles returned to the apartment, officers attempted to have him step out of his vehicle.
Pickles refused to exit the vehicle and sped off. Officers located Pickles again in an apartment complex parking lot when Pickles sped through the parking area towards one of the officers. The officer, in fear for his safety and safety of the public, fired his department-issued weapon striking Pickles.
Pickles continued through the lot striking another vehicle and ultimately exited the Haven at Lake Deer Apartments lot.
Officers were able to block him in at the parking area of the Wellington Condominiums along Lake Howard Drive.
Once Pickles was secured officers began treating his injuries until EMS personnel arrived, Pickles was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with non-life threatening injuries.
After being released from the hospital, Pickles will be charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest with Violence.
The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Shooting Team is currently investigating the shooting with the State Attorney’s Office overseeing the investigation. The Winter Haven Police Department will conduct an internal administrative investigation, which is standard procedure.
(The officers’ names are not being released due to Marsy’s Law.)
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be nothing more released at this time.
Original Update:
Winter Haven Police are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this morning. No officers are injured and the suspect has non-life-threatening injuries and has been taken to the hospital for treatment.
The incident location is at the Haven of Lake Deer Apartments (350 24th St. NW). The suspect, Jason Pickles (DOB 5-19-79) has a long and violent criminal history and currently had a warrant for his arrest.
The investigation is being turned over to the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Shooting Team.
On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Lake Wales Police Department teamed up with the Polk County Sheriff Office and the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office in an attempt to locate Ms. Debbie Williams, who has been missing since 1990.
Detectives, officers and crime scene investigators excavated the sand underneath the rumored residency, located at 108 Dr. J.A Wiltshire Ave. At the conclusion, no remains were found underneath the residence.
Lake Wales officials intend to continue the search. Plans include the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR). Proposed areas for the use of GPR include the lot the residence is located on and an additional area alongside US HWY 27. Detectives have partnered with a GPR specialist from the University of South Florida.
Detectives are also following up on other leads discovered in microfiche film dating back to the 90’s. They have located a lead supporting the eye-witness testimony of Williams entering a white and red pickup truck driven by a Caucasian male at the time of her disappearance.
Deputy Chief David Black said, “Our detectives will continue to follow-up on factual leads and eye-witness testimony.”
Aggressive progress has been made by Lake Wales Police Department after a resident arranged for cadaver dogs to search the land around the residency. One hotspot identified by the dogs was beside a tree that rooted underneath the house. Officers dug into the root ball from inside the house, which happens to be the same room Williams was rumored to be buried under the floor.
Detectives contacted Julie Starbuck, K-9 handler for Peace River K-9 Search and Rescue and discussed the results of the search. Starbuck stated cadaver dogs find the odor of human remains, which can be generated in a multitude of ways, and does not necessarily indicate a body. She went on to say remains could be blood left behind from an injury or when dead or dry skin flakes off a body and decomposes.
Prior to the excavation, SEMCO, a construction firm assessed the structural integrity of the residency. Flooring was removed from the house to make room for officers to excavate the sand underneath the residency and run it through sifters. More than 20 officers and city staff engaged in the search.
UPDATE 1
Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $5,000 for any information, which leads to locating Debbie Delores Williams.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
· Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
· From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
· Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
· Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
COLD CASE INVESTIGATION
In late March 1990, Debbie Williams was reported missing by a family member. At the time of the original report, it was estimated Debbie had been missing for approximately four weeks. Detectives have been left with a single partial page initial report to go on.
In 2019 Melvin Waldron, a retired Lake Wales Supervisor, came to Detectives with information regarding Williams’ case. The information included rumors Williams had been killed by her on again, off again boyfriend who has since passed away. The rumors were she was buried beneath the boyfriend’s residence or near the overpass of Highway 27 near Florida Natural. At that time, a Detective was assigned to accompany Waldron to conduct interviews with people Waldron believed had direct information on the case. A total of nine people were interviewed regarding the case and only one person had any direct information. This person observed Williams getting into a white and red pickup truck driven by a white male around the time she disappeared. The other eight people all stated they heard various “street talk” over the years saying she was buried under the house, or she was buried under the bridge, or she got into a white truck driven by a white male, never to be seen again.
Detectives then went to the residence in question to investigate the possibility Williams was buried there. An officer dressed in protective equipment went under the residence using a metal rod to probe the area for remains. Bones were located in the area Williams was rumored to be. Those bones were examined by the medical examiner’s office and confirmed to be animal bones. No large scale digging was done as there for safety of the officer and the structure itself.
The current owners of the residence are not suspects in any way and have been nothing but cooperative in this case and great care must be taken with their property.
The Lake Wales Police Department is networking with the Lake Wales Building Department, Planning and Zoning, and house moving companies to ensure the residence can be safely moved and any potential crime scene preserved. The move of the residence will be done as Building Partnerships for a Safer Community soon as possible but due to logistics that date is yet to be determined. Detectives have been in contact with USF for ground penetrating radar, so that once the residence had been moved a search can be conducted. If the ground penetrating radar indicates the possibility of remains, a dig will be conducted at that point.
The Detectives in charge of this investigation have met with experts and investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State Attorney’s Office, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office who have all pledged their assistance in this case. We have also been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding advancements in DNA collection and cataloging built to assist in matching missing persons with unidentified bodies found around the country.
Going forward, Detectives are working to rebuild the case file regarding Williams. This includes conducting interviews with those who knew Williams and the boyfriend. This proper documentation of the investigation will provide a thorough case file if Williams is not locate during these endeavors.
The Lake Wales Police Department is working diligently on this case and will exhaust all leads. Should Williams not be found during these searches, the department will follow up on any future leads which may develop hoping to find closure for the Williams family.
This investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information regarding this case please contact Detective Ricky Hartwell or Sergeant Shawn Smith at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).
