Winter Haven Police have made an arrest in the murder of 18 year-old Alicia Dorene Barnett, who was gunned down on the Chain of Lakes Trail on 11-12-12. On 12-5-12, 19 year-old Antonio Donte Callaway (B/M, DOB 10-28-93, 101 Park Dr., (Carefree Cove) Winter Haven) was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder (CF), Armed Robbery (F-1) and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. Callaway is a student at New Beginnings High School, the same school Barnett attended.
Winter Haven Police investigations uncovered that Callaway and an unnamed co-conspirator lured the victim to the area of Carefree Cove to rob her of marijuana. During the armed robbery, the victim was shot multiple times, leading to her death by Callaway and the co-conspirator.
Callaway is a known associate with criminal street gang members and has numerous arrests as a juvenile for violent crimes that include Attempted First Degree Murder (12-29-08), which involved a drive-by shooting in Polk County (charges were dropped). As an adult, Callaway has also been involved in criminal activity to include Robbery (4-4-12) (charges were dropped).
This is a very active and ongoing criminal investigation and additional arrests are anticipated. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the co-conspirator and we encourage the community to contact the Winter Haven Police Department (863-401-2256) or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) with any information regarding this case. Callers can remain anonymous.
