Polk County

Polk County man faces charges, accused of killing wife on Christmas Eve

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County man faces first-degree murder charges after being accused of killing his wife on Christmas Eve, the sheriff’s office said.

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Deputies said a family member went to check on Shameka Lockett, 39, at her Lakeland home on Dec. 24 and found her dead in a bedroom.

Detectives arrived around 8:30 p.m. and concluded the victim was shot and killed.

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On Dec. 25, Polk County detectives found and arrested Ronald Lockett Jr., 39, at a different home, where he admitted to picking up Shameka Lockett from work and taking her home.

Ronald Lockett was on pre-trial release from a previous domestic violence arrest and was not supposed to be in contact with the victim.

Investigators interviewed Shameka Lockett’s family members, who said they heard the couple arguing and a noise like a “pop.”

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While they searched the home, Polk County deputies said they found Ronald Lockett’s ID card and 27 rounds of ammunition.

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Ronald Lockett is currently at the Polk County Jail with no bond.

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