Crime & Safety

Police Search For Killer Of 33-Year-Old Winter Haven Man

A Winter Haven man was shot and killed near the intersection of 40 Street NW and Atkins Drive, said the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Polk County Sheriff's Office said 33-year-old Alphonso Payne Jr. died at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center after he was shot shortly after midnight on May 17.
Polk County Sheriff's Office said 33-year-old Alphonso Payne Jr. died at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center after he was shot shortly after midnight on May 17. (Courtesy of Polk County Sheriff's Office )

WINTER HAVEN, FL — The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help finding the person who gunned down a Winter Haven man early Sunday. Alphonso Payne Jr., 33, was shot on Sunday around 12:15 a.m. as he walked near the intersection of 40th Street NW and Atkins Drive in Winter Haven, police said in a news release.

The victim was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where he later died.

“The victim was gunned down in the middle of the street," said Sheriff Grady Judd in a news release."He was only 33 years old. It’s an active investigation, still in the early stages, and our detectives have been working tirelessly to solve it. We’re asking for anyone who has information about this killing to contact us. Help us bring justice to those involved and provide a measure of solace and resolution to Mr. Payne’s family.”

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If you have any information that could help Polk County Sheriff's Office, call them at 863-298-6200. If you would like to remain anonymous, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 or visist www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and submit a tip.

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