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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough

Polk County Sheriff Identifies Suspect in 1987 Cold Case Murder

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has officially named the late James Duckett as the person responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape, and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon. The announcement follows Duckett's recent execution for a separate 1987 murder in Lake County.

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Why It Matters

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is moving to formally close the 1987 murder case of Jeanifer Weldon now that the primary suspect, James Duckett, has been executed.

Key Facts

  • James Duckett has been identified by the Polk County Sheriff as the perpetrator of the 1987 abduction, rape, and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
  • Jeanifer Weldon disappeared on September 19, 1987, while walking home in Lakeland.
  • Weldon's body was discovered on October 2, 1987, in a wooded area in Fort Meade.
  • The cause of death was determined to be strangulation.
  • James Duckett was executed on Tuesday for the 1987 rape and murder of 11-year-old Tereasa McAbee.
  • Investigators linked Duckett to the Weldon case through circumstantial evidence, including his work schedule at a phosphate mine, his proximity to the crime scene, and possession of a stuffed kitten matching one purchased by the victim.
  • DNA testing on over 10 pieces of the victim's clothing yielded no usable evidence.
  • The Polk County Sheriff's Office plans to meet with the state attorney's office to formally clear the case.
  • The Sheriff's Office currently has only two unsolved cases from the last 16 years.

Who's Mentioned

personTereasa McAbee“11-year-old victim of a separate 1987 murder for which Duckett was executed.”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff who announced the findings of the cold case investigation.”personJeanifer Weldon“14-year-old victim of the 1987 abduction and murder.”personAngel Sullivan“Friend of the victim who was with her on the day she disappeared.”personMindy Oakley“Best friend of the victim.”personHope Limansah“Younger sister of the victim.”personAmy Weldon“Older sister of the victim.”personJames Duckett“Executed prisoner identified by the Sheriff as the perpetrator of the 1987 murde”personJohnny Marsh“Friend of the victim who was with her on the day she disappeared.”personBob Weeks“Detective who worked on the case.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“The law enforcement agency investigating the case.”