Cold Case Murder Prosecution Leads to Four Life Sentences for Lakeland Man
During the early morning hours of September 4th, 1981, Joseph Mills, broke into the bedroom window of Linda Slaton. Linda, 31, and her two young sons were sleeping in the residence. After sexually assaulting and murdering her, Mills escaped through the same window he entered.
For the next four decades, the Lakeland Police worked to find Linda’s killer and bring him to justice. At the same time Mills was a trusted member of the community where he coached one of Linda’s son’s football teams.
Advances in DNA technology lead to a new lead in 2019. Working with the State Attorney’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department was able to develop a suspect and arrested Mills. On February 9th Mills, now 61 years old, pled guilty and was sentenced to four life terms in Florida State Prison. The tireless effort of all involved ensured Mills was held accountable for Linda’s death.
State Attorney Brain Haas thanks ASA Mark Levine and the Lakeland Police Department for their work and dedication in obtaining justice in this case.
State Attorney Brian Haas administered the oath of office for the new Officers and Directors of the Polk Police Chiefs Association. Lakeland Police Chief Ruben Garcia, President, Bartow Police Department Chief Bryan S. Dorman, Vice President and Chris Nelson, Executive Director for the State Attorney’s Office will serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Polk Police Chiefs Association. Directors include: Chief Andy Ray, Auburndale Police Dept. Chief Art Bodenheimer, Lake Alfred Police Dept. Chief Larry Holden, Davenport Police Dept. Chief Richard Holland, Florida Polytechnic University Police Dept. and Chief Ed Freeman, Retired Chief of Lake Hamilton Police Dept.
Robert Lincoln sexually molested a young girl for many years, beginning when the child was 12 years old. Lincoln used grooming, threats and bribes to molest the child. A Highlands County Jury convicted Lincoln of Lewd Molestation in December. This week, Assistant State Attorney Courtney Lenhart obtained a life sentence for Lincoln from a Highlands County Judge. Lincoln will never be released from prison and will never molest another child again. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks ASA Lenhart and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and dedication in obtaining justice in this case.