21-Year-Old Lakeland Man Found Murdered In Orange Grove

LAKELAND, FL -- A 21-year-old Lakeland man was apparently murdered and his body dumped in an Alturas orange grove where it was found Thursday by grove workers, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Agency spokeswoman Carrie Horstman said the body of Joseph Wayne Witherington was found off Mud Lake Road near 80 Foot Road not far from State Road 60 around 7:45 a.m.

"Someone knows what happened to Joseph and how he ended up in that orange grove, and one way or another we will identify and arrest whoever is responsible," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Horstman said the preliminary investigation led investigators to believe Witherington was killed and left in the grove by one or more people.

To report a tip and be eligible for a reward, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477), or submit the tip via the website or mobile app.