Body of 14-year-old found in backyard of Lakeland home

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The body of a 14-year-old was found in his backyard after his older brother called police about a suspicious scene at their home.

The Lakeland Police Department says officers went to the home on West Crawford Street just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

Rex Honors, 21, told officers he came home to find a broken table and the sliding glass door left open to the backyard. Honors said he expected his younger brother - also named Rex Honors - to be home but he was nowhere to be found.

Officers checked the home and found the body of 14-year-old Rex Honors in the backyard. 

Detectives are investigating the teen's death as a homicide. His manner of death was being withheld as the investigation gets underway. 

Anyone with information about the death of 14-year-old Rex Honors is asked to call Detective Russell Hurley at 863-834-8973 or email Russell.Hurley@Lakelandgov.net. 

Anyone who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Heartland CrimeStoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.