Dawn Petterson : Unsolved Mysteries: Central Florida Cold Cases

Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :

Do you know that there are nearly 340,000 unsolved homicide and manslaughter cases dating back to 1965? According to Project Cold Case, Florida represents 6% of these cases, with more than 20,000 in the state. Central Florida alone has its share of unresolved crimes, with each county having its own list of cold cases.

Flagler County marks 25 years since the homicide of Dawn Petterson, whose body was found shot in Palm Coast in 1999. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office keeps a list of all active cold cases for those who may have information.

In Orange County, skeletal remains of a 48-year-old Richard Wick were recently identified after being found near Apopka in 1993. The sheriff’s office is seeking information to solve this case.

Seminole County has 61 open and unsolved cases dating back to 1968, including missing persons and homicides at varying stages of investigation.

Volusia County has about 30 unsolved homicide cases, with the sheriff’s office doubling the reward for information on the 1994 murder of Laralee Spear. Her case remains unsolved after 30 years, with the sheriff’s office urging anyone with information to come forward.

If you have any details on these cases or any other unsolved crimes in Central Florida, reach out to the respective sheriff’s offices. Let’s work together to bring closure to these families and justice to the victims.

A snapshot of Central Florida cold cases

Central Florida is a region known for its sunny weather, theme parks, and bustling cities. However, beneath the surface of this vibrant area lies a chilling reality – a number of cold cases that have remained unsolved for years. These cases have left families and communities in anguish, wondering what happened to their loved ones and seeking closure. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most haunting cold cases in Central Florida, shedding light on the mysteries that continue to baffle investigators and haunt the region.

### What happened to Jennifer Kesse?

One of the most well-known cold cases in Central Florida is that of Jennifer Kesse, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared in January 2006. Kesse was last seen leaving her apartment in Orlando, and her car was later found abandoned at a nearby apartment complex. Despite extensive searches and media coverage, Kesse has never been found, and her disappearance remains a mystery.

### Who killed Alonzo Smith?

Another puzzling cold case in Central Florida is the murder of Alonzo Smith, a beloved community activist who was shot and killed in his own home in Eatonville in 2015. Smith was known for his advocacy work and dedication to his community, making his murder all the more shocking. Despite efforts by law enforcement, the case remains unsolved, leaving many wondering who could have committed such a heinous crime.

### What happened to Tracy Ocasio?

Tracy Ocasio was a 27-year-old woman who went missing in May 2009 after leaving a bar in Orlando. Her car was later found abandoned, and Ocasio has not been seen since. The case garnered significant media attention and led to extensive searches, but Ocasio’s whereabouts remain unknown. Her family continues to search for answers, hoping to one day find closure.

### Who is responsible for the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse?

The disappearance of Jennifer Kesse has baffled investigators for years, with no solid leads or suspects in the case. Despite numerous tips and potential sightings, Kesse’s whereabouts remain a mystery. Her family has not given up hope of finding answers and continues to push for justice in her case.

### What led to the murder of Alonzo Smith?

The murder of Alonzo Smith shocked the community of Eatonville and left many wondering what could have led to such a tragic event. Smith was known for his dedication to his community and his passion for helping others, making his death all the more senseless. Despite efforts to solve the case, no arrests have been made, leaving the community on edge and seeking justice for Smith.

### Where is Tracy Ocasio?

The disappearance of Tracy Ocasio in 2009 has haunted her family and friends for over a decade. Despite extensive searches and media coverage, Ocasio has not been found, leaving her loved ones with more questions than answers. The case remains open, and investigators continue to search for leads that could bring closure to Ocasio’s family.

In conclusion, the cold cases in Central Florida are a stark reminder of the dark side that lurks beneath the surface of this vibrant region. These unsolved mysteries have left families and communities in anguish, wondering what happened to their loved ones and seeking closure. As we shine a light on these cases, we hope that one day, justice will be served and the truth will be revealed.