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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — Local NewsJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough

Sheriff Identifies Suspect in 1987 Cold Case Murder

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has identified the late James Duckett as the primary suspect in the 1987 abduction and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon. While no DNA evidence exists, investigators cite circumstantial evidence and similarities to another murder case for which Duckett was previously executed.

cold caselaw enforcementcriminal justicehomicide investigation
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — Local News

Why It Matters

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is moving to 'exceptionally clear' the 1987 murder of Jeanifer Weldon following the identification of a deceased suspect, effectively closing the investigation.

Key Facts

  • Jeanifer Weldon, 14, went missing in Lakeland in September 1987.
  • Weldon's body was discovered on October 2, 1987, in Fort Meade.
  • James Duckett is identified as the suspect based on circumstantial evidence and proximity to the crime scene.
  • Duckett was previously executed for the 1987 rape and murder of 11-year-old Tereasa McAbee.
  • No DNA evidence exists for the Weldon case due to technological limitations at the time of the crime.
  • Duckett worked near the location where Weldon's body was found and arrived late to work on the day of the disappearance.
  • Duckett refused to speak to investigators without legal counsel present during his lifetime.
  • Duckett was executed on July 28.
  • The Polk County Sheriff's Office is working with the state attorney's office to 'exceptionally clear' the case due to the suspect's death.

Who's Mentioned

personTereasa McAbee“11-year-old victim in a separate case for which Duckett was executed”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff”personJeanifer Weldon“14-year-old victim of a 1987 cold case”personMindy Oakley“Best friend of Jeanifer Weldon”personHope Limansah“Sister of Jeanifer Weldon”locationFort Meade“Location where the victim's body was found”personJames Duckett“Suspect in the 1987 murder of Jeanifer Weldon and executed prisoner”locationLakeland“Location where the victim was last seen”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency investigating the case”