Murder Victim Identified By Polk County Deputies; Reward Offered

LAKELAND, FL - The Polk County Sheriff's Office has determined that the suspicious death on East Peachtree Street in Lakeland was a homicide. The victim has been identified as Russell L. Jackson, 59, of 2422 East Peachtree St., Lot 11, in unincorporated Lakeland. A $3,000 reward is being offered for information about the murder.

"Murder is horrible at any time of year, but to take a man's life on Christmas Day is unfathomable. We need the community's help to identify this cold-blooded killer sooner rather than later, and put him behind bars," Sheriff Grady Judd said.

The sheriff's office received a call about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25 in reference to a deceased adult man in his home.

Photos from nearby video surveillance show a possible suspect vehicle in the area at the time. The vehicle appears to be a dark green 90s-model four-door station wagon. Detectives believe the vehicle was occupied by a white female driver, and a white or Hispanic male passenger, both in their 20s or 30s.

If anyone has information about this homicide or recognizes this vehicle they are urged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200.

Anyone with information about this investigation who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $3,000 cash reward is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226 TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web.

For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free "P3tips" mobile app.

Image of possible suspect vehicle; image of Russell Jackson; all images via Polk County Sheriff's Office