Winter Haven Detectives have made an arrest in the July 26 stabbing death of 26 year-old Angel Snell.
Twenty-one year-old Kenneth Lawrence Foresyth Jr, (DOB 10-21-02, Homeless) was taken into custody on Aug. 13, 2024 following a dedicated and diligent search by detectives.
The stabbing occurred right outside of a shipping container, located on the construction property, after Snell approached Forsyth and a physical altercation ensued. Paperwork and items belonging to Forsyth were located inside of the shipping container.
It was determined that Foresyth worked at Longhorn Steakhouse on First St. in Winter Haven. Detectives responded to the location on July 28 and an initial schedule from the manager showed that Foresyth was working on the date and time of the homicide.
Detectives continued to obtain video footage from the night of the incident all across the City that captured a dark-skinned make wearing the same description of clothing as Foresyth was wearing the night of the homicide, July 26, 2024. The male was seen walking northbound behind the Mosque in the area of the construction site at 10:45 p.m. on July 26 and then seen running southbound passing the Mosque at 10:47 p.m. The 9-1-1 call reporting the stabbing was received at 10:52 p.m.
On August 13, 2024, detectives contacted Foresyth for an interview to discuss the discrepancies in the work schedule that was provided and the video footage that had been obtained. Detectives showed Foresyth multiple images from the video footage and he confirmed the male in the images were all him.
Foresyth stated he had gotten off early on July 26 and walked through the city. When questioned about video capturing him running away from the construction site, he told investigators he got a pebble inside his shoe causing him to run.
As the interview continued, it was discovered that Foresyth had been inside of the shipping container on the night of the murder. He had started a small fire outside when Snell approached the container and an altercation occurred resulting in Foresyth stabbing the victim multiple times. Foresyth immediately fled the area on foot ultimately disposing of the knife and clothing he had been wearing.
The witness, who was with Snell and a short distance away, heard the altercation with Snell yelling that she had been stabbed and he immediately ran to her aid. He carried her to Inman Park where someone let him use their phone to call 9-1-1.
On August 13, 2024, Foresyth was charged with Second Degree Murder (FL), False Report to a LEO re Capital Felony (F3) and Destroying/Tampering with Evidence (F3). He was booked into the Polk County Jail.
“The relentless determination and dedication to find the killer of Miss. Snell is a testament to the heart of our detectives and all the members of the Winter Haven Police Department,” said Chief David Brannan. “Detectives worked tirelessly around the clock ensuring there was no stone unturned to make a solid arrest.”
