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3 close friends murdered during fishing trip in Frostproof, says Polk County sheriff

Posted at 11:29 AM, Jul 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-22 11:45:32-04

FROSTPROOF, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a triple murder in the unincorporated area of Frostproof. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is expected to provide an "important" update into the investigation Wednesday morning.

The sheriff's office did not release any other information on what the update could be. Watch live below at 11 a.m.

Polk County officials said around 10:06 p.m. on Friday, one victim, Brandon, called his dad for help. Officials said his dad knew Brandon had gone fishing with two of his friends, Keven and Damion, who were also victims.

Brandon's dad drove to Lake Streety Road and when he arrived he found his son barely alive, officials said. The other two friends were found dead.

Brandon's dad drove to a close-by gas station to call 911.

When first responders arrived, all three victims were found dead. Officials said they appeared to have been beaten and shot.

"This is a horrific scene, I've been to a lot of murder scenes in my life and this ranks among the worst I've been to," said Sheriff Grady Judd.

According to families, the three men were best friends and knew each other for years. They said the three men were fishing on land, not in a boat.

The three victims were Damion Tillman, 23, Keven Springfield, 30, and Brandon Rollins, 27. All three men were from Frostproof, Sheriff Judd said.

"We are seeking leads, we need help so we can solve this crime sooner rather than later because there are one or more, we suspected more, murderers, that killed three people in a quiet community," said Sheriff Judd.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help on any information on the incident.

If anyone has any information, contact PCSO at 863-298-6200.