A 67-year-old woman was found dead today inside her Lake Wales home, and investigators said they believe her grandson is responsible for her death.
Polk County deputies received a call from the Tampa Police Department, who had received a call from a Tampa man who said his 19-year-old son, Jasper Aristotle Smiddie, called him and told him that he had killed his grandmother, with whom he lived at 4890 Wales St.
Gloria Helfrich's bedroom door was locked, so deputies kicked in the door and found her body about 7:40 a.m.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said it is looking statewide for Smiddie, who may be driving a silver 2006 Toyota Rav 4 with Florida tag N599GP.
Smiddie was arrested Jan. 30 and charged with interference with child custody, the sheriff's office said. He was released on bail the following day.
The medical examiner will perform an autopsy on Helfrich today to determine the cause of death.
Anyone who sees Smiddie or has information on his whereabouts should call 911 or the sheriff's office at (863) 298-6200. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or go to www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement