A tragic incident occurred in Polk County where a father has been arrested for the brutal killing of his 16-year-old son. The victim, identified as 11th grader Stephen Lee Rodda, harboured aspirations of becoming an electrician and was assisting his grandfather while his grandmother was in rehab.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the father as “evil”, expressing profound sorrow over the young man’s untimely death. The accused, 37-year-old Stephan Thomas Rodda, was detained while attempting to flee the county post the act, which took place at a mobile home in Lake Wales. Stephan Rodda reportedly has an extensive criminal record, including a history of methamphetamine use and psychotic episodes.
The discovery was made by the victim’s grandfather, who returned home to find the suspect outside, issuing a grim warning of the act he had committed inside using a heavy-duty saw. The sheriff lamented the loss of a promising life, vowing to ensure justice is served.
This marks the second incident within eight days where a parent has been implicated in the killing of their child in Polk County.
