NewsWFLA News Channel 8July 30, 2026Florida
Sheriff links executed former officer to 1987 cold case
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has publicly linked James Duckett, a former police officer executed on Tuesday, to the 1987 disappearance and murder of a local teenager.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
This announcement provides a formal update on a decades-old involving the death of a minor in Polk County.
Key Facts
- James Duckett, a former police officer, was executed in Florida on Tuesday.
- Sheriff Grady Judd stated that Duckett is connected to the 1987 disappearance and murder of a Polk County teenager.
- Sheriff Judd alleged that Duckett abducted, raped, and murdered the victim.
Who's Mentioned
personTereasa McAbee“11-year-old victim murdered in 1987.”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff who announced the connection between the two cases.”personJeanifer Weldon“14-year-old victim reported missing in 1987.”personMindy Oakley“Best friend of Jeanifer Weldon.”personHope Limansah“Sister of Jeanifer Weldon.”organizationWFLA“News outlet reporting the story.”personAmy Weldon“Sister of Jeanifer Weldon.”personJames Duckett“Former Mascotte police officer executed for the 1987 murder of Tereasa McAbee.”organizationState Attorney's office“Office working to officially close the case.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency investigating the cold case.”locationPolk County“Jurisdiction where the teen went missing and the Sheriff operates.”