'Violent' death investigation underway in Bartow

BARTOW, Fla. – A violent death investigation is underway after a man in Bartow died Thursday night.

What we know:

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Jeffrey Blevins, 56, was outside his apartment, Fountain Place Apartments, on North Wilson Avenue talking to his mother on the phone when his mother heard him fall to the ground around 11:00 p.m. Thursday night. PCSO says Blevins’ mother called his sister, whom he lives with. 

When Blevins’ sister went outside, PCSO says she saw him in a pool of blood and called the Bartow Police Department.

BPD arrived within two minutes and EMS immediately performed live-saving measures and transported Blevins to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Bartow’s police chief, Stephen Walker, says Blevins appeared to have died from a ‘violent death’.

Sheriff Grady Judd says the Bartow Police Department and its detectives are investigating, and PCSO will provide more information when it becomes available.

The sheriff added that Blevins’ criminal history includes one domestic violence arrest 30 years ago, and driving with a suspended license. 

What they’re saying:

Neighbors tell FOX 13 they didn’t know Blevins very well, but they would often see him outside smoking cigarettes. 

“We don’t know many people here yet, but when we did meet him [Blevins] he was friendly,” Cassie Hightower, a neighbor, said. “He was grilling. ‘Hey, if you want a bite, you can have a bite’ type thing, but you know, it’s just unreal.” 

Hightower said his death is shocking because this complex isn’t known for problems. She is praying for the Blevins family and hopes they’ll get some resolution.

“I can only imagine being the mom on the other end and hearing the drop of the cell phone and being the sister to find your brother like that…my heart just absolutely breaks,” Hightower said.

What we don’t know:

Detectives are still investigating the cause of his death, and are asking the community if they have any information to contact the Bartow Police Department or the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The Source: This article was written using information from a live press conference from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 

Polk CountyBartowCrime and Public Safety