Polk Inmate Accused In Winter Haven Double Murder

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 35-year-old man who was locked up in Polk County jail on unrelated charges has been charged with the double murder of two women earlier this month in Winter Haven.

Antonio Jamar Davis was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 23-year-old Chanel Zhane Brown and 42 year-old Latoya Dimitria Owens, explained Jamie Brown of the Winter Haven Police Department on Wednesday.

The bodies of the two women were found inside a home in the 100 block of Avenue V NW in Winter Haven on Oct. 6. Police said Owens lived in the home.

Both women were shot multiple times while Brown also appeared to have been strangled, according to court documents.

Davis of Lake Hamilton turned himself into Lakeland police on unrelated charges, the agency's Brown said.

"Davis was considered a person of interest after numerous individuals were interviewed," Brown explained. "DNA that was collected from the scene and from the victims was analyzed by FDLE and came back concluding Davis' DNA was present."

Court documents said Davis' DNA was found in the fingernails of victim Brown. The documents said Davis allegedly admitted to having been involved in a three-month relationship with Owens. Davis allegedly purchased bleach and peroxide at a Dollar General store and attempted to clean the murder scene, court documents said.

In addition to the murder charges, Davis was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and tampering with evidence.

Davis was expected to make his first appearance in court on Wednesday afternoon.

To report a tip, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477).