$10,000 Reward Posted In Shooting Death Of Lakeland Teen In 2022

LAKELAND, FL — This month marks the one-year anniversary of the death of 17-year-old Tye Ketchum, and no one has come forward to claim the $10,000 reward for the arrest of his killer.

His family has released Tye Ketchum's name and photo in the hopes it will motivate someone with information to come forward, said Lakeland police.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at 10:17 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Park at Palazzo Apartments, 3685 Victoria Manor Drive, in response to a male with critical injuries.

Officers found Ketchum inside an apartment with a gunshot wound. They immediately secured the location and began rendering aid until emergency medical responders from the Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived.

Ketchum was taken to Lakeland Regional Health, where he died a short time later.

In March, Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

Although detectives continue to follow up on forensic evidence and leads, they're still waiting for that key tip that will help solve the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida. Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for the $10,000 cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.

To submit a tip:

• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From a cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Visit the Crime Stoppers website and click on "Submit A Tip,"
• Or download the free "P3tips" app on a smartphone or tablet.