A violent death outside a Bartow apartment complex early Friday has Polk County and city detectives working a tense scene after 56-year-old Jeffrey Lee Blevins was found unresponsive, authorities said.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Bartow Police Department have launched a joint investigation into the death, which unfolded overnight outside the complex. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker briefed reporters Friday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Detectives remained at the property while evidence was processed, and officials stressed that the probe is active.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker provided details Friday morning, March 27, 2026, of a death investigation that began overnight outside of an apartment complex. 56-year old Jeffrey Lee Blevins has been identified as the victim.… https://twitter.com/PolkCoSheriff/status/2036793853819203803
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) March 27, 2026
What investigators say
Sheriff Judd told reporters that Blevins was on the phone with his mother when she heard him fall to the ground, as reported by WTSP. Investigators have not released a suspected cause or manner of death and said the case remains in its early stages.
How to help
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information, surveillance footage or tips to contact the Bartow Police Department or the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which provided the briefing. Detectives from both agencies said they will keep following leads and will release additional details when they are able.
