Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
pcso
Cold Case Homicides
From June 2008 until June 2019, the Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit maintained a 100% clearance rate on all homicides investigated within the PCSO jurisdiction.
The two most recent unsolved homicides - those of Shay Collins in June 2019 and Alphonsa Payne in May 2020 - are listed here along with all other unsolved homicides back to 1961.
Our Cold Case Unit is dedicated to solving these homicides and bringing justice to these victims' families.
Can you help? Click the links below to view information about unsolved Polk County Homicides. Photos are included if available. If you have any information concerning an unsolved homicide, please contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigations at 863-298-6379 or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.org.
Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!
Hailie Caples
Discovery Date: Mar 21, 2008
On March 21, 2008, 20-month-old Hailie Caples’ stepmother put her to bed for the night around 7:10 p.m. The stepmother went in to check on her after hearing a loud noise in her room, and found the baby face down on the floor. Hailie was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital where she underwent emergency brain surgery to alleviate pressure on her brain. She later died. The Medical Examiner concluded that Hailie died as a result of head trauma and listed the manner of death as homicide.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.org.