Florida Prisoner Identified as Perpetrator in 1987 Cold Case Murder
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has identified executed Florida prisoner James Duckett as the perpetrator in the 1987 abduction, rape, and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon in Polk County.
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, July 30, 2026 —
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Tuesday that James Duckett, an executed Florida prisoner, has been identified as the perpetrator in the 1987 abduction, rape, and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.
The victim, Jeanifer Weldon, was abducted, raped, and murdered in Polk County in 1987. For decades, the case remained unsolved, leaving Weldon’s family without answers.
Sheriff Judd stated that through extensive investigation and advancements in forensic technology, James Duckett was identified as the individual responsible for Weldon’s death. Duckett was executed in Florida in 1997. The specific details of the investigation that led to Duckett’s identification were not immediately provided.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been dedicated to resolving cold cases, bringing closure to victims and their families. This identification marks a significant development in a case that has spanned over three decades.
Story summarized from the original created by Nancy.Gay@fox.com (Nancy Gay) on www.fox35orlando.com, see more information here.
