NewsWFLA News TampaJuly 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 TampaWhy It Matters
This announcement provides a formal update on a decades-old cold case 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 of James Duckett in 1987.”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff who announced the connection between the two cases.”personJeanifer Weldon“14-year-old victim whose 1987 murder is being linked to Duckett.”personMindy Oakley“Best friend of Jeanifer Weldon.”personHope Limansah“Sister of Jeanifer Weldon.”locationFort Meade“Location where Jeanifer Weldon's body was found.”personAmy Weldon“Sister of Jeanifer Weldon.”personJames Duckett“Former Mascotte police officer executed for the 1987 murder of Tereasa McAbee.”locationLakeland“Location where Jeanifer Weldon was last seen.”organizationState Attorney's office“Partnering with the Sheriff's office to 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.”locationWINTER HAVEN“Location of the news report.”