The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Lake Wales on March 19. The suspect, a 16-year-old boy, is in custody.

According to Polk Sheriff Grady Judd, deputies responded to the Caloosa Park mobile home park near Caloosa Boulevard and Lake Boulevard after the agency received a 911 call from the 16 year old, who reported hitting the 15 year old with a baseball bat and possibly killing him.

Upon their arrival, the 16 year old, who we are not naming in accordance with our Crime Guidelines, confirmed to deputies that he "wailed" on the victim with the bat.

Deputies found the body of the victim, identified by the county as Giovanni Diaz, in a wooded area near the mobile home park, along with the bat that is believed to be the murder weapon.

"This child was brutally murdered by a 16-year-old with a baseball bat," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "There is no reasonable excuse for this. Zero. None. It should never have happened." 

The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.