LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say she shot a 21-year-old in the back of the head as he drove through an orange grove.
Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide detectives have arrested 28-year-old Heather Tyler with the crime, saying she and Joseph Witherington were hanging out last week and went for a drive.
Authorities offered no motive, but said Tyler shot Witherington twice as he drove. Authorities said she then took his wallet and burned her clothes that had his blood on them. She is also charged with witness tampering.
Tyler admitted the flip flops found in the back of Witherington's car were hers and that she was with Witherington during that time frame.
She was booked into the Polk County Jail late Friday. It's unclear if she had an attorney to comment on the charges.
"We've arrested 28-yr-old Heather Tyler of #Lakeland for the cold-blooded first degree murder of 21-yr-old Joseph Witherington. He would be alive today if not for her viciousness. His family & friends are in our prayers." - Sheriff Judd. Read the release: https://t.co/s0dDxduF7N pic.twitter.com/lgxGghourM
— Polk County Sheriff (@PolkCoSheriff) March 30, 2019
