UNSOLVED CASES
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office is seeking your help with these unsolved crime cases.

Chitwood-1
  1975 Homicide 
Roger Chitwood was reportedly abducted from his home in DeSoto County Florida on 08/12/75. Chitwood’s body was then discovered 08/14/75, in the Kissimmee River within Okeechobee County. From evidence, it is obvious that Chitwood was murdered and intentionally placed in the body of water

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.

Those who have withheld information about the homicide – and are not involved – will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.

MerrittWheeler1-1
1980 Homicide 
During 10/08/1980 the body of 36 year old Merritt Wheeler Sr. was discovered in Horse Creek near the bridge at County Road 769 within DeSoto County Florida. Based on the facts from the scene, it was clear Wheeler had suffered substantial injury before being placed into the body of water. Merritt Wheeler is a victim of murder.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.
Those who have withheld information about the homicide – and are not involved – will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.


201301454-200x300
2013 Homicide 
During June 14, 2013 the remains of an unidentified homicide victim was discovered along SR 70 just E of Turkey Hammock. Based on the scene the victim appears to have been transported to the location after death and possibly had been at the location for 2 months before discovery.
 The victim is believed to be a Hispanic male, 25 to 50 years of age, 5’0″ in height and weighed approximately 140lbs. The unidentified victim was determined to have Klippel-Feil syndrome which is a disease causing the individual to appear as having no neck.
 The photograph depicting the victim is from forensic facial reconstruction completed by LSU during 2015.
Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.



unr3 
1994 Missing Persons Case


21
year old Kellie Jo Krum and her 8 month old daughter Kelsi disappeared from DeSoto County following 08/11/94. Evidence and information suggest suspicious circumstances.
babykrum
Anyone with information as to Kelsi or Kellie, is requested to call the Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863)993-4700 or National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE LOST).





On 12/24/96 Julian Mendiola died as a result of a 1996 Home Invasion Robbery/Homicide in his home at 2173 NE Goolsby Ave. Investigators discovered that two masked assailants had entered the home demanding money. Mendiola was shot when he resisted his attackers.
Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.
Those who have withheld information about the homicide – and are not involved – will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.


justinkinville
 1999 Homicide 
On 03/01/99, the body of 16 year old Joseph Kinville was discovered in a field off Robin Road within DeSoto County Florida. Kinville did suffer injury that resulted in his death.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.
 Those who have withheld information about the homicide – and are not involved – will not face criminal charges for failing to come forward thus far.







randolph
2000 Missing Persons Case 

72 year old Marjory or Kathy Randolph
[also known as Kathleen Richards] was last known to reside in DeSoto County during the summer of 2000. At the time, Evelyn Allen, of 1509 SE Eucalyptus Avenue, was providing her care. Ms. Allen passed away in October of 2000, and after her death the location of Randolph has been undetermined. Ms. Randolph suffered a stroke some years prior, and may have a difficult time communicating or differentiating reality.
 Anyone with information as to Randolph is requested to call the Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.





unr9
2003 Missing Persons Case 

Donald Manley was reported missing during 10/02/01. His vehicle was later found in remote Sarasota County.
Anyone with information as to Mr. Manley is requested to call the Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.










berry 
2004 Missing Persons Case

50 year old Simmoni Berry, of 11758 SW Anne Avenue, can last be accounted for 09/12/04. Berry’s vehicle was found abandoned near the home. Also missing was Berry’s dog, a Pekinese breed. Nothing additional appeared missing from the home. Berry’s disappearance includes suspicious circumstances.
Anyone with information as to Berry is requested to call the Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward.






SeymourEileen
2006 Homicide 

The body of Ms. Eileen Seymour was discovered in her home at lot 103, 1625 NE Fiveash Street in DeSoto County Florida on March 02, 2006.
From the scene it is obvious that Seymour died as a result of homicide.
Information as to the death of Ms. Seymour is being sought and such information could lead to a reward. Please contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous.








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2008 Homicide
During 10/23/2008 Leon Brady was killed near his home in the Nocatee Community of DeSoto County.
Anyone with information as to the offense against Brady is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at (863)993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.