On October 11, 2023, at approximately 0845 hours, the Auburndale Police Department (APD) responded to the area of 217 Century Boulevard, Auburndale, FL in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, there was a black female later identified as Porchia Crossley lying on the pavement suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Porchia was pronounced deceased at the scene.
APD Officers met with a subject later identified as Kyle Herrington who stated he was the shooter and he was still on the phone with 9-1-1. Herrington was secured and transported away from the scene where he was interviewed by APD detectives while other members remained at the scene to conduct other portions of the investigation.
Herrington told detectives this case was a “Stand Your Ground” incident, however APD investigators located video evidence contradicting Herrington’s claim.
The video depicted Crossley approach Herrington and the two appear to exchange words. As Crossley was walking toward her vehicle away from Herrington, he followed her as she was walking away and shot her approximately three to four times in the head from behind, killing her instantly. Herrington was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree murder.
During the course of the investigation, multiple search warrants were completed and executed attempting to locate any additional evidence. Among these items were the firearms involved in the incident requiring lab analysis and the cell phone data extractions for the cell phones recovered at the time of the incident. The Forensics Investigations Unit (FIU) with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) was responsible for crime scene processing and the handling of major pieces of evidence. PCSO FIU were professional, meticulous, and carried out their mission with determination.
Herrington opted to contest his 2nd Degree murder charge and took the case to jury trial. Due to the outstanding work of the State Attorney’s Office prosecution team, the jury found Kyle Herrington guilty of 2nd Degree murder on January 31st, 2026, and he is awaiting sentencing.
This trial marks the third homicide conviction in the month of January 2026 for the APD thanks to our great partnerships with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office, 10th Judicial Circuit.
SOURCE: AUBURNDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT
