Out-of-state Airbnb owner called Polk County Sheriff over possible rental home murder

DAVENPORT, Florida. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said an Airbnb owner in another state gave detectives the tip that led them to the scene of a murder.

The victim, Xavier Johnson, 29, of Saint PETERSBOURG, was taken to a Haines City hospital with a gunshot wound and later died, but investigators did not know where the shooting occurred until the Airbnb owner viewed surveillance video and sees what appeared to be a body being carried out of the house. This homeowner called Polk County law enforcement for assistance.

The sheriff’s office initially released a video over the weekend showing three unknown men carrying Johnson’s body out of the house.

Detectives said they are still asking for the public’s help in identifying them.

Johnson was staying with others and the group had been selling “quantities of marijuana” from the home since April 8, Sheriff Judd said.

Around 8:30 p.m. on April 13, 29-year-old Justin Jenkins and another man drove to the house to “do a lick,” which Judd says means robbing a drug dealer. One of the suspects was carrying a gun.

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Jenkins, who Judd said has 55 prior criminal charges and served at least three stints in state prison, was arrested in Daytona a day later.

Judd said there was a $5,000 reward for information leading to the man who was with Jenkins, who was described as a Hispanic male.

Those wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward are asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.