Officer from the Winter Haven Police Department responded to the South Lake Howard Nature Park on March 6, 2024 at approximately 10:40 p.m.after receiving a call from a woman advising her 25-year-old son called her stating he had “shot” his 28-year-old girlfriend and he was going to shoot himself.
The caller, who lives out of the area, stated her son said he was in a park with a lake and was walking along a pier. Officers along with members from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately began canvassing parks in the City of Winter Haven.
A Winter Haven officer who started searching Lake Howard Nature Park discovered the body of a deceased female in a grassy area off the parking lot. A short while later, a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy located a deceased male on the opposite side of the park in a grassy area. A weapon was also located with the deceased male.
“This is an absolute heartbreaking situation that occurred overnight,” said Winter Haven Deputy Chief Vance Monroe. “Our hearts go out to both families who just tragically lost their loved ones.”
Winter Haven Police want to encourage anyone who may have thoughts of harming themselves or someone else to please reach out to someone immediately. Free and confidential help is available 24-hours a day by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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