Arrest in murder during online sale meetup in Polk County

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - Polk County deputies have made an arrest in connection with the murder of a man during a meetup stemming from an online sales transaction.

Deputies arrested Victor Manns, 25, of Bartow, and charged him with first degree murder in the shooting death of 21-year-old Jeffrey Morrow.

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

Deputies say Morrow went with his friend to meet someone in the parking lot of a Family Dollar in Lakeland to sell an item for $450.

Manns approached the vehicle, deputies say, grabbed the item, and took off.

Morrow, who was armed with a shotgun, chased the suspect who also pulled out a gun, firing at Morrow, killing him, deputies said.

Sheriff Grady Judd was expected to hold a news briefing Thursday morning to discuss the details of the case.

Tuesday, Sheriff Judd said he wouldn't release what the item for sale was because it was part of the investigation, but said it was perfectly legitimate.

Judd also 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.

This story is developing. Stay with FOX 13 for updates.