Two Men Arrested in Fatal Polk City Hit-and-Run Investigation After Months-Long Probe
News Brief Summary
- 39-year-old Brandon Roy Moran was killed in a hit-and-run crash on April 23 along Fussell Road near Polk City.
- Detectives identified a 2012 Hyundai Sonata as the suspect vehicle through forensic evidence.
- Richard Slaughter, 52, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and other offenses.
- Stanley Walker, 71, was arrested after allegedly helping conceal Slaughter from deputies.
- The arrests came after detectives surrounded a residence following a tip on June 23.
By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published June 25th, 2026
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POLK CITY, Fla. — After an extensive investigation spanning nearly two months, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide Unit have arrested two men in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a Polk City man earlier this spring.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began during the early morning hours of April 23, 2026, when 39-year-old Brandon Roy Moran of Polk City was found deceased on Fussell Road, lying near the four-wheeler he had been riding.
Investigators determined Moran had been struck by a vehicle that fled the scene without stopping to render aid or report the crash.
Detectives Traced the Suspect Vehicle
Early evidence collected at the scene suggested the suspect vehicle was likely a 2009-2014 Hyundai Sonata.
As the investigation progressed, detectives identified a 2012 Hyundai Sonata registered in Auburndale, approximately 11 miles from the crash scene. After locating the vehicle, investigators recovered evidence confirming it had been involved in the deadly collision.
Additional interviews led detectives to identify Richard Slaughter, 52, of Lakeland, as the alleged driver. Investigators also obtained Slaughter's cell phone records, which placed him in the area at the time of the fatal crash.
Tip Leads Detectives to Suspect
Authorities said locating Slaughter proved difficult until Tuesday, June 23, when detectives received information that he was staying at a home on Fussell Road.
Multiple deputies responded and surrounded the residence located at 5533 Fussell Road.
Deputies made contact with 71-year-old Stanley Walker, who allegedly told investigators that Slaughter was not inside the home.
Despite Walker's statements, deputies established a perimeter and issued multiple K-9 warnings. Shortly afterward, Slaughter exited the residence and surrendered without further incident.
Both men were taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Sheriff's Processing Center.
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| Richard Slaughter and Stanley Walker Arrested in Polk City Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation |
Charges
Richard Slaughter, 52
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (First-Degree Felony)
- Operating a Vehicle as a Habitual Traffic Offender (Third-Degree Felony)
- Resisting an Officer Without Violence (Misdemeanor)
Stanley Walker, 71
- Accessory After the Fact in a First-Degree Felony (Second-Degree Felony)
The investigation has resulted in arrests for both suspects, bringing investigators one step closer to providing justice for the family of Brandon Roy Moran.
Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office
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