After announcing that his office’s Cold Case Program had solved two outstanding homicide cases—one dating back to 2007—Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon announced last week that the unit would continue to work 32 other cold cases, with the public’s help.
“Before last year, there was no formal review in place to examine the unsolved murders,” Blackmon said. “Detectives in the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) created this cold case unit, and it’s working very well.”
He shared two of the successes the unit, starting in October 2024, has seen. The fatal stabbing case of then 17-yearold De’Andre Wellnitz from 2007, and the fatal shooting case of 23-year-old Jommil Baez-Quinones from 2022, were solved in the last several weeks.
The Sheriff’s Office has shared a few details into six high-profile cases it is working; the crimes were committed as many as 33 years ago.
Joshua Levi Burch: On Sept. 5, 2010, deputies found Burch, 20, at a Pleasant Hill Road 7-11 shot while being a passenger in a pickup truck. Burch died from the gunshot wound, and the shooting is believed to be a road rage incident along Pleasant Hill.
Mary Traversa: On May 13, 1997, a body was discovered in a burning vehicle on I-4 in Osceola County. The body was later identified as Traversa, 42, of Plant City. She had been shot and was believed to have been driving home from work.
Lorena Perez: On April 7, 2006, deputies found a deceased female body, later identified as Perez, 29, on Lake Tohopekaliga Road. Police believe the victim had been murdered and had been disposed of at the location.
Ruth Haut: On Feb. 26, 1992, Haut, 41, was reported missing from her office on John Young Parkway (then Bermuda Avenue). Her body was later discovered in an orange grove on the east end of Hickory Tree Road near U.S. Highway 192. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Shelley Jane Sherman: On June 13, 1994, the deceased body of Sherman, 32, was found at Sadina Drive and Kyngs Heath Road in Kissimmee. Her cause of death was listed as asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.
Teresa Hart: On Sept. 16, 1993, the body of Hart, 34, was found on South Lake Avenue, near Narcoossee Road. Her body was found dumped on the dirt road and it is believed that she was killed in the location she was found. She was known to reside in Orlando but take the bus to travel to Osceola County and visit the Brass Rail Bar, located at the corner of Starline Road and Narcoossee Road.
“We’re hoping someone can help us and can provide tips into some of these cases,” Blackmon said.
