Sheriff highlights six of 32 other cases a new unit is working to solve
Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon Tuesday shared that the Office's Cold Case Program had solved two outstanding homicide cases — one dating back to 2007 — and 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 (Criminal Investigation Department) created this cold case unit, and it's working very well."
Following the team being formed in October 2024 and reviewing the details of a fatal stabbing, Blackmon reported the team determined that a 2007 stabbing was a case of self-defense. On June 24, 2007, 17-year-old De’Andre Wellnitz, a former football player at Gateway High School, suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest, at a house party on Ivy Lane in Buenaventura Lakes. In September 2025, a person of interest was identified and located in Orlando. According to the Sheriff's Office, during an interview the subject admitted that he was at the 2007 party and was struck during a fight, during which he picked up a kitchen knife and as he stood and waved it in an attempt to keep others at a distance. It was determined that the individual acted in self-defense and no charges would be filed.
Kelly McDonald, Wellnitz's mother, Saturday Tuesday that she now has closure after 18 years.
"I want to thank the Sheriff's Office for the amazing job they did investigating the case," she said. "Eighteen years and then an angel appeared. It was truly an answered prayer that it was solved. I'm able to stop playing the story I've had in my head for 18 years, and now I have peace, and I'm so grateful for that. I hope that someone knows someone in these other cases and comes forward and give these families some closure and answers. The resolve is everything, even if it' not what you think it should be."
An arrest was made in a Feb. 23, 2022 fatal shooting on Indian Point Circle off Poinciana Boulevard. After 23-year-old Jommil Baez-Quinones was shot several times and died in the shooting, the case was inactivated after exhausting all leads. This case, too, was re-opened in October 2024 and was able to obtain an arrest warrant for Luis Eluvar Gonzalez, now 23. U.S. Marshals helped located him, book him into the Osceola County Jail, and charges were filed by the State Attorneys Office on Sept. 19. He was charged with first-degree manslaughter and robbery with a firearm, according to Blackmon.
Blackmon said the oldest of the 32 other unsolved cases the team is now working on goes back to 1978.
Here are some cases they are working:
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, 32, her deceased body was found at Sadina Drive and Kyngs Heath Road in Kissimmee. The body of 32-year-old Shelley Jane Sherman was found deceased. 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 who can here us can provide tips into some of these cases," Blackmon said.
