Crime & Safety
Man Accused Of Burying Aunt After Killing Her At Polk City Home: Deputies
The Polk County Sheriff's Office believes the suspect who is accused of killing his aunt at her home could be headed to Texas in a Toyota.
POLK CITY, FL — A 39-year-old man who lived with his aunt in Polk City is accused of killing her followed with burying her body, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Aroldo Enrique Paz lived with his 74-year-old aunt, Perfecta Paz Paz, and relatives told police that the aunt said the two had been fighting so much lately that she wanted to move out. Her sister reported her missing to deputies after she could not get in touch with her for a few days. She had stopped by the house Tuesday afternoon and didn't see her, law enforcement officials said. She last saw her sister Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 a.m. The suspect told his other aunt that she had left. Aroldo Paz had left the house and took all his belongings some time between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday evening, detectives said. Perfecta Paz Paz's sister returned to the house after her shift, and still had not seen or heard from her.
Authorities went by the house for a wellness check later on, police said. Her body was found buried in a shallow grave after officers noticed freshly disturbed soil near the house.
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The suspect may be headed to Texas, due to his previous history there," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "He should be considered armed and dangerous. Our homicide detectives, who are simply the best, will do everything possible to find him, bring him back, and ensure that justice is served for Perfecto Paz Paz, and her family.”
Aroldo Paz faces the following charges, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office:
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- First degree murder
- Grand theft
- Tampering with evidence
Authorities said he is driving a 1999 beige Toyota Camry with a Texas license plate PTC9735.
If you have information on this suspect's whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
- CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
- Dial **TIPS from your cell phone
- Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
- Download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet. www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
