Body found near orange grove prompts murder investigation
FORT MEADE (FOX 13) - After finding the body of a 47-year-old man, Polk County deputies say they are investigating his death as a murder.
Deputies responded to Old Bowling Green Road, west of U.S. Highway 17 around 2 p.m. Monday after a grove worker found the body of Douglas John Bowling.
Deputies say the body was found near an orange grove, and an autopsy will be performed Tuesday morning to find the cause of death.
Bowling is known to frequent the Winter Haven area, but detectives said they could find a recent address for him and acquaintances told them he has been homeless.
Anyone with information about Bowling's recent activity or anything that could be related to the investigation are asked to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. People can send an anonymous tip through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.