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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough

Sheriff Identifies Suspect in 1987 Cold Case Murder

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has identified the late James Duckett as the primary suspect in the 1987 abduction and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon. While no DNA evidence exists, investigators cite circumstantial evidence linking Duckett to the crime scene and his history of similar offenses.

cold caselaw enforcementcriminal justicehomicidePolk County
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is moving to 'exceptionally clear' the 1987 murder case of Jeanifer Weldon following the death of the primary suspect, James Duckett.

Key Facts

  • James Duckett is identified by the Polk County Sheriff's Office as the suspect in the 1987 murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
  • Jeanifer Weldon went missing in September 1987 and her body was discovered on October 2, 1987, in Fort Meade.
  • The Sheriff's Office is working with the state attorney's office to 'exceptionally clear' the case due to the suspect's death.
  • James Duckett was previously executed for the 1987 rape and murder of 11-year-old Tereasa McAbee.
  • No DNA evidence exists for the Weldon case due to the limitations of technology at the time of the crime.
  • Circumstantial evidence includes the proximity of the crime scene to Duckett's former residence and workplace, and his behavior on the day of the disappearance.
  • Duckett refused to confess to the crime prior to his execution on July 28.
  • The suspect previously served as a police officer in Mascotte.

Who's Mentioned

other11“Age of Tereasa McAbee”personTereasa McAbee“11-year-old victim in a separate case for which Duckett was executed”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff”personJeanifer Weldon“14-year-old victim of a 1987 cold case murder”personMindy Oakley“Best friend of Jeanifer Weldon”other14“Age of Jeanifer Weldon”personHope Limansah“Sister of Jeanifer Weldon”personJames Duckett“Suspect in the 1987 murder of Jeanifer Weldon and executed murderer of Tereasa M”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency investigating the case”