Bartow Man's DNA A Match To Semen Found On Murder Victim

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Polk County Sheriff’s detectives say DNA evidence from the crime scene led to the arrest of a man for the homicide of Mulberry resident Tammy Butler, 58.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Marvin Brewer, 53, who had a relationship with and once lived with Butler, was charged with first-degree murder Wednesday, April 4.

Butler’s partially nude body was found in her home at 607 1st Ave., Mulberry, by sheriff’s deputies March 22. Friends asked the sheriff’s office to check on Butler because they hadn’t heard from her for several days (see related story).

Judd said it appears Butler died four days before deputies discovered the body.

At a press conference April 5, Judd said Brewer reportedly visited Butler’s home to have sex with her. It’s uncertain why he reportedly killed her after their sexual encounter.

The Polk County Medical Examiner said she was stabbed multiple times in the neck. Semen taken from the body proved to be a DNA match to Brewer, Judd said.

The sheriff’s office also received a tip that Butler had been stabbed in the neck by a black man named Marv.

When interviewed, Brewer admitted to having sex with Butler but did not confess to killing her.

Image via Polk Sheriff's Office