ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — The Zephyrhills Police Department is asking the public for new leads in the unsolved 2007 disappearance of Carlton McCarthy Ireland, who vanished nearly two decades ago.
Ireland was 54 years old when he went missing from Zephyrhills in the spring of 2007. According to investigators, his last documented financial record was a water bill payment made on April 18, 2007. His last confirmed in-person sighting took place five days later, on April 23, when he pawned a ring at a shop in Tampa.
Neither Ireland nor his vehicle—a red 1997 Toyota Tercel—has been seen since.
Ireland was born in Jamaica, where he maintained personal ties, and he regularly spent time in Tampa and Dade City, Florida. Detectives noted that he was also known to visit local dog racing tracks.
Authorities are hoping that the passage of time will encourage people with knowledge of the case to speak up.
“Carlton Ireland has a family that has lived with unanswered questions for far too long,” said Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer. “As time passes, people’s circumstances and relationships change. Someone who may not have felt comfortable speaking in 2007 may be ready to come forward today. Even a seemingly minor memory could help provide Carlton’s family with the answers they have been waiting for.”
Police want to speak with anyone who knew Ireland, interacted with him around April 2007, spotted his red Tercel, or heard details regarding his whereabouts. Investigators emphasize that relevant information could originate from Zephyrhills, Dade City, Tampa, Jamaica, or any venues he frequented, including race tracks.
Anyone with details regarding the case can call the Zephyrhills Police Department tipline directly at 813-819-8847. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.
READ: Lakeland Teen Arrested After $100 Tequila Bottle Swiped From Publix, Deputies Say
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
