The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a suspicious death in Mulberry.
- 58-year-old Tammy Butler found dead inside home
- Polk deputies consider death suspicious
- Anyone with info to call 863-298-6200
Deputies responded to a home on NW 1st Avenue on Thursday evening and found 58-year-old Tammy Butler deceased inside.
Friends of Butler requested a welfare check after not hearing from her in several days.
Victor Baez, who lives a few houses away, called the discovery unsettling for the neighborhood.
"My daughter actually was the one that asked for a check, well check to see how she was doing," he said. "Yeah it's scary because I have my wife, she's disabled, bed-ridden and stuff. I’m scared to leave her alone if this doesn't come to a conclusion.”
According to investigators, Butler was unemployed and lived alone.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Carrie Horstman said there was no sign of forced entry.
Baez said he talked to Butler from time to time and learned she was dealing with a lot of hardships.
"She was in a car accident years ago and hurt her back. She was waiting for a settlement as far as I know,” said Baez.
Authorities aren’t releasing many details in the investigation. However, Hortsman said investigators have ruled out suicide and natural causes.
"I'm pretty sure they will find out because Grady Judd, he's very competent at these things," Baez said. "So whoever is guilty, if it is suspicious, I hope it does come to a conclusion.”
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have spoken to or seen Butler between March 17-22, or saw anything suspicious in the area, to contact the PCSO at 863-298-6200.
Anonymouse tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.