NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 14, 2026Hillsborough County
Capital Murder Trial Underway for TJ Wiggins in 2020 Frostproof Triple Homicide
Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News
A capital murder trial is underway in Polk County for TJ Wiggins, who faces the death penalty for the July 2020 killings of three men during a night fishing trip in Frostproof. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, store receipts, and forensic evidence linking Wiggins to the victims at a local Dollar General shortly before the ambush.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The trial determines whether the defendant receives the death penalty for a multi-count murder charge involving three fatalities.
Key Facts
- A capital murder trial is underway in Polk County for defendant TJ Wiggins.
- Wiggins faces the death penalty for the July 2020 killings of Brandon Rollins, Keven Springfield, and Damion Tillman in Frostproof.
- Investigators recovered Dollar General security camera footage and store receipts placing Wiggins at the same store as the victims prior to the killings.
- Forensic testing matched ammunition from Wiggins' home to rounds fired at the crime scene on Lake Street.
- Investigators state the motive involved a grudge over a stolen truck engine.
- Wiggins faces three counts of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and being a felon in possession of a weapon.
- Co-defendant Mary Whittemore previously served a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty as an accessory after the fact.
- The trial is expected to last five weeks.
Who's Mentioned
locationBartow“Location where jury selection took place”PersonGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff commenting on the investigation”PersonBrandon Rollins“Victim in the 2020 triple murder”PersonMary Whittemore“Defendant's girlfriend who pleaded guilty as an accessory after the fact”PersonKeven Springfield“Victim in the 2020 triple murder”PersonCyril Rollins“Father of victim Brandon Rollins”OrganizationDollar General“Store where victims and suspect were seen prior to the killings”PersonDamion Tillman“Victim in the 2020 triple murder”locationLake Street“Location where the killings took place”locationFrostproof“Location of the killings and the Dollar General store”locationPolk County“Location where the trial is underway”PersonTJ Wiggins“Defendant facing the death penalty for three counts of first-degree murder”