MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CRIME & JUSTICE

MANHUNT launched for 3 men who entered Airbnb and killed drug dealer

29-year-old Xavier Antonio Johnson, of St. Petersburg, had rented an Airbnb in the small Florida town of Davenport on April 8

POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA — Authorities are looking for three men who were caught on camera entering an alleged drug den and carrying out a body.

29-year-old Xavier Antonio Johnson, of St. Petersburg, had rented an Airbnb in Davenport on April 8. Polk County deputies said Johnson and his associates were selling marijuana from the Acorn Court residence, which is located in a scenic cul-de-sac in the small Florida town of just 9,000 residents. On April 13 at about 8.30 pm, three unidentified men entered the house and shot Johnson. They were then caught on camera carrying Johnson's body out of the house, police said.

RELATED ARTICLES

Mystery woman captured on surveillance camera ringing doorbell before vanishing said she "awoke" to a "nightmare"

Chris Watts freaked out when neighbor showed him surveillance footage of him loading his truck

"We're seeking the identities of three men in a homicide investigation," the Polk County Sheriff's Office wrote on Twitter, sharing surveillance footage of the men leaving the residence while carrying the body. They also shared still photos of the three perps for the public to identify. "Here are photos of the three unknown men we'd like to identify and speak with regarding the homicide of 29-yr-old Xavier Johnson," the office wrote.

Meanwhile, in a separate release sent to the Daily Mail Saturday evening, April 16, the office wrote, "According to the investigation so far, Johnson and his associates had been selling marijuana from the house since April 8, 2022, when they took occupancy. Around 8:30 p.m. on April 13th, unknown suspects went inside the house and shot the victim. One of the suspects was carrying a gun. If you have any information about this murder please call us at 863-298-6200 or contact Heartland Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous and be eligible for a $5,000 cash reward."

Speaking to the newspaper about the case Saturday evening, a department spokesperson said the office was not providing additional information at the time of publication. Residents seemed confident that Grady Judd, the 68-year-old sheriff of Polk County, would be able to track down the suspects sooner than later. Judd has served with the force since 1972 and in 2020 became the first sheriff in Polk County's 160-year history to be elected to five terms in office. As officers provided details of the ongoing manhunt on social media, observers responded saying, "Get em' Grady!"

The sheriff's office also explained how the public can help in the investigation. "With ongoing criminal investigations, we are very, VERY choosy with how much information (and photos and videos) we release," they wrote. "These photos show three men we want to identify - we showed pics of the one carrying the crossbody bag in 2 diff [sic] photos so that you can see his arm tattoo (it doesn’t show in the photo where he has the bag). He is the one without any facial hair. Refer back to the video and you’ll see all three of them."

As mentioned, detectives are hoping the public can help identify the men responsible for Johnson's death. If you or anyone you know has information related to the probe, you are advised you contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226 TIPS (8477).