10/31/2026
Cold Case Spotlight
On October 31, 2016, at approximately 8:54 p.m., Joseph Smith, 27, and Roland Deloatch, 44, were fatally shot inside a residence on Hays Drive in Sanford.
Today marks 10 years since Joseph and Roland tragically lost their lives. Despite investigators following numerous leads and analyzing evidence, the case remains unsolved.
For the past decade, their family and loved ones have been left with unanswered questions, still waiting for justice and closure.
On this 10th anniversary, the Sanford Police Department joins the family of Joseph and Roland in asking for the community's help. If you have any information, no matter how small, that could help identify the person or persons responsible for their deaths, we encourage you to come forward.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous, and tips to Crimeline that lead to solving this homicide are eligible for a reward of up to $15,000.00. Anyone with information can also contact the Sanford Police Department at (407)688-5070.
Ten years have passed, but Joseph and Roland have not been forgotten. Their families deserve answers.
