Date Found:
December 11, 2003

Location Found: 
320 Sandpine Trail, Winter Haven, FL

Investigating Agency:
Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Telephone:               
(863) 534.6200

 

Synopsis:


Marie Michel, a native of Haiti, was found shot to death inside the residence of her daughter, Marie Geffard, located at 320 Sandpine Trail in Winter Haven, Florida. On December 5, 2003, Marie Geffard and her boyfriend, Edouard Jean drove to Delray Beach and brought Ms. Michel back to Polk County. Ms. Michel planned to stay for two weeks before returning home.

Ms. Michel was last seen alive at 10:40 a.m. when she was left to babysit her 1 ½-year-old granddaughter while Marie Geffard ran errands. When Marie Geffard returned home at 12:15 p.m., she found her mother shot once in the head and her daughter was locked in a bedroom, unharmed.

There were no signs of forced entry into the residence and nothing appeared to have been taken. A .45 caliber casing was found at the scene. On 12/06/03 Eduoard Jean reported his .45 caliber handgun stolen. In the report, Jean stated that the gun had been missing since 11/29/03. The casing found at the scene was the same brand as the bullets Edouard Jean stated were in his gun when it was stolen.