Do you know who killed James Edward Earle in 1996? James Edward Earle was killed on January 30, 1996, in Winter Garden, Florida. In the early morning hours, residents near the intersection of Center Street and Tenth Street reported hearing several gunshots between 3:30 and 4 a.m. At approximately 7:20 a.m., an anonymous call alerted police about a person lying on the ground behind 111 Center Street. When the authorities arrived, they discovered the body of James Earle.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his death was determined to be a homicide.
During the investigation, witnesses indicated that Earle, also known as "Jimmy," was last seen alive around 3:30 a.m. He was observed walking up to a burgundy or maroon van with a long CB antenna on the passenger side. Moments later, several gunshots rang out, and Earle was fatally shot. Despite efforts to follow up on leads, no arrests were made, and the case remains unsolved. The circumstances surrounding the van and the lack of further leads have hindered the progress of the investigation, keeping the case open for almost three decades.
The Winter Garden Police Department continues to seek information that may lead to solving the case, urging anyone with details to come forward. James Earle's homicide remains a prominent unsolved case in Winter Garden, and his death has been included among several cold cases featured by local law enforcement in an effort to renew public interest and encourage tips from the community.
