LAKELAND, FL (970 WFLA) - The Polk County Sheriff's Office now lists the suspicious death of a man in a Lakeland trailer park as a homicide.
Deputies found 59-year-old Russell Jackson (pictured above) dead on Christmas Day in his home on East Peachtree Street.
The attached photo below from a nearby video surveillance camera shows a possible suspect vehicle in the area at the time. The vehicle appears to be a dark green four-door station wagon.
Sheriff Grady Judd laments the loss of life on a sacred holiday.
"Murder is horrible at any time of year, but to take a man's life on Christmas Day is unfathomable. We need the community's help to identify this cold-blooded killer sooner rather than later, and put him behind bars," the sheriff said.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit is seeking the public's help in this investigation. If you know anything about this homicide or recognize the vehicle, you are urged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward; call 1-800-226-TIPS. Your personal information will remain anonymous.
Photos Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office