Jeffrey Blevins, 56, was found lying in a pool of blood outside his Bartow apartment Thursday night after his mother heard him fall during a phone call, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Background
Blevins was on the phone with his mother shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday when she suddenly heard him fall to the ground, Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference. When Blevins failed to respond further, his mother hung up and called her daughter, who also lived in the same apartment complex, telling her to "go find Jeff, it sounds like he's fallen."
Blevins' sister responded and discovered her brother lying in a pool of blood outside his residence. She immediately called 911.
First responders rushed Blevins to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The Investigation
Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker requested assistance from the Polk County Sheriff's Office in investigating what authorities described as a violent death. Sheriff Judd said the investigation remains in its early stages, and officials are working to determine exactly what happened leading up to Blevins' death.
The sheriff revealed that Blevins had a domestic violence arrest approximately 30 years ago. Since that time, his only other criminal charge was driving with a suspended license.
Authorities have not identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the investigation. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey Blevins, 56, was found dead outside his Bartow apartment in a pool of blood
- His mother was on the phone with him when she heard him fall to the ground
- Blevins' sister discovered him and called 911; he was pronounced dead at Bartow Regional Medical Center
- Polk County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation with assistance from Bartow Police
- Blevins had a domestic violence arrest 30 years ago and a driving with suspended license charge
- No suspects have been identified; investigation remains in early stages
What's Next
Sheriff Judd said more information would be released as the investigation develops. Authorities are continuing to canvas the area and interview witnesses. The case remains an active homicide investigation, and detectives are urging anyone with information to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office.