Homicide Victim's Body Found In Car: Police

LAKELAND, FL — Update: The medical examiner's office ruled the victim's death as a homicide Monday. The body was found inside a car at his Lakeland home Saturday. Investigators are continuing to interview people who may have information related to the case.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Troy Smith at 863-834-8958 or troy.smith@Lakelandgov.net.

If a person wishes to remain anonymous, and possibly be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at 1-800-226 TIPS (8477).

Original Patch Story:

Detectives are investigating a suspicious death outside a Lakeland home that happened Saturday, police said.

A 42-year-old man who had been working underneath a car at the house had not answered any texts or calls from the other person who lives at the house as she was out of town for the day, authorities said. When she returned home, the man could not be found. However, she did see blood underneath the vehicle he had been working on in the driveway, according to detectives.

Officers found his body inside another vehicle on the property, Lakeland police said. An exam is expected to occur at the medical examiner's office Monday to confirm the cause of death.

Anyone with information related to the case should contact Detective Troy Smith at 863-834-8958 or troy.smith@Lakelandgov.net.

Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at
1-800-226 TIPS (8477)