LAKELAND, Fla. – A 18-year-old Lakeland teen that went missing, was found deceased in Sumter County, and is now being investigated as a homicide.
Charlie Roberts, 18, was initially reported missing to Lakeland Police Department on Wednesday after a family member lost contact with him.
On Wednesday, Sumter County Deputies conducted an exhaustive search, including the use of Drones, ATVs, K-9’s and our helicopter in an effort to locate the victim, Charlie Roberts.
Roberts was located in the Green Swamp area of Sumter County off of SR 471 deceased. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigating Charlie Roberts’ death as a homicide investigation and coordinating investigative efforts with Lakeland Police Department.
“We want to thank Florida Fish & Wildlife for their assistance in this case. This is an active investigation, no further information is available at this time,” said Sumter County Sheriff.
Lakeland Police, in a statement, said, “We are sad to report that the body of 18-year-old Charlie Roberts was recovered in the Green Swamp area of Sumter County this evening. Charlie was reported missing to LPD early this morning by a family member after losing contact with him on Tuesday, February 22. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting the death investigation, with LPD providing all information gathered thus far in the investigation.”
Anyone with information about this case to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 352-569-1680 or to remain anonymous contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS(8477).”