Lakeland father pleads for answers one year after 17-year-old son shot, killed in apartment
LAKELAND, Fla. - Now that a year has passed since his son's murder, a Lakeland father has renewed hope the case will be solved.
Shortly after 10 p.m. on October 15, 2022, 17-year-old Tye Ketchum was shot to death inside his Park at Palazzo apartment in Lakeland.
"It's one of the worst things a parent can ever have to witness or live through," said Joseph Ketchum, who returned home from work to find his son shot and gasping for air.
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He called 911 and Tye was taken to Lakeland Regional Health where he died.
"Here we are a year later, and I still have no answers and no real leads that I would consider unacceptable after a year on an ongoing investigation," said Joseph.
In March, the reward for information about Tye's murder was increased to $10,000.
"In hopes that after a year of this happening, people move on and friendships end," said Joseph. "Somebody knows something and maybe somebody will be willing to speak up on behalf of Tye."
He said his son's 18th birthday was on May 7, and he would've graduated from Lakeland High School. His plan was to learn a trade, move back to Texas and start a life with his girlfriend.
"I just try to remind myself day in and day out to stay calm and focused and to not lose sight of what we as a family are trying to accomplish here," said Joseph.
Lakeland police said they're continuing to follow up on forensic evidence and leads, but they're still asking for tips from the community.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida. Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
You can submit a tip to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-226-8477 or online at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.