Sheriff Judd: Man killed while trying to sell item in parking lot

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd released new details Tuesday in a homicide that started with an online sale.

Judd said 21-year-old Jeffrey Morrow Jr. went with his friend to sell an item for $450. Through social media, the friend agreed to meet the buyer in the parking lot of the Family Dollar on Combee Road.

When the pair arrived at the Family Dollar, they texted the buyer saying they were there. Moments later, the buyer approached the vehicle and checked out the item. Investigators said that's when the buyer grabbed the item and took off.

Morrow armed himself with a shotgun, got out of the car and said, "I've got a gun, stop!"

Deputies said the thief, described as a black male in his 20s, also pulled out a gun. He fired shots at Morrow, who later died at the hospital.

Judd will not say what the item is that was being sold.

"The item was perfectly legitimate. I'm not going to give any clues as to what the item was because we're at that point in the investigation we don't want that released," Judd said.

Judd said online sales or transactions should ideally take place during the day and preferably at a law enforcement facility.

"You run a great risk when you meet a total stranger outside of a store at night trying to sell or buy items," Judd said.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 863-298-6200.

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