NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough
Sheriff Identifies Suspect in 1987 Cold Case Murder
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has officially linked the late James Duckett to the 1987 abduction and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon. The announcement follows Duckett's recent execution for a separate 1987 murder in Lake County.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
This announcement formally closes a 38-year-old investigation in Polk County, confirming the identity of the perpetrator responsible for the death of Jeanifer Weldon.
Key Facts
- James Duckett has been identified by the Polk County Sheriff's Office as the person responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape, and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
- Jeanifer Weldon disappeared on September 19, 1987, while walking home in Lakeland.
- Weldon's body was discovered in a wooded area in Fort Meade on October 2, 1987, by a phosphate mine worker.
- The cause of death was determined to be strangulation.
- James Duckett was executed on Tuesday for the 1987 rape and murder of 11-year-old Tereasa McAbee.
- Evidence cited by the Sheriff includes Duckett arriving late to his job at a phosphate mine on the night of the disappearance, appearing agitated with dirty hands, and possessing a stuffed kitten similar to one purchased by the victim.
- Duckett lived in a trailer park 1.8 miles from where the victim's body was found.
- DNA testing on over 10 pieces of the victim's clothing over several decades yielded no usable evidence.
- The Polk County Sheriff's Office plans to meet with the state attorney's office to formally clear the case.
- The Sheriff's Office currently has only two unsolved cases from the last 16 years.
Who's Mentioned
personTereasa McAbee“11-year-old victim of a separate 1987 murder for which Duckett was executed.”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff who announced the case findings.”personJeanifer Weldon“14-year-old victim of the 1987 homicide.”personAngel Sullivan“Friend of the victim who was with her on the day she disappeared.”personMindy Oakley“Best friend of the victim.”personHope Limansah“Younger sister of the victim.”personAmy Weldon“Older sister of the victim.”personJames Duckett“Executed prisoner identified as the suspect in the 1987 murder.”personJohnny Marsh“Friend of the victim who was with her on the day she disappeared.”personBob Weeks“Detective who worked on the case.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“The law enforcement agency that investigated the case.”