The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide in Lakeland.
- Body of Preston Burnett, 29, found in woods on the old Skyview Golf Course
- Burnett last seen around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday
- Investigation ongoing
Deputies said a man's body was found in the woods on the old Skyview Golf Course property--which is closed--off Skyview Boulevard around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Deputies have identified the victim as Preston Burnett, 29, of Lakeland and are treating his death as a homicide. Authorities said Burnett was violently killed and an autopsy would determine the cause of death.
The sheriff's office said Burnett was last seen around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in the city of Auburndale.
Officials said an Auburndale police corporal saw Burnett in downtown Auburndale and drove Burnett to his ex-girlfriend's house.
The ex-girlfriend told detectives that Burnett immediately left her home, stating "They might find me."
It is not clear who he was referring to. Burnett also told his ex-girlfriend he was in a fight with two unknown black men in downtown Auburndale.
"We know that someone knows what happened to Preston Burnett," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "There is a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for his brutal murder. Please call Heartland Crime Stoppers and help us solve this crime."
Anyone with information on the crime is asked asked to call 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.