FL - Stephen Lee Rodda, 16, killed with an angle grinder by father, Lake Wales, Polk County, Sept 4, 2023

[PayrollNerd]

Case : 2023CF007258A000XX
RODDA STEPHEN T
DOB 9/30/1985

Docket

https://pro.polkcountyclerk.net/PRO/PublicSearch/Details/2NTm7IM5eOjsE27-27-D0-0-XuBeDSUxsbwUCVVT5oeiEutceTE%3d

 

[PayrollNerd]

Stephen Lee's obit:

Obituary for Stephen Lee Rodda at Marion Nelson Funeral Home Inc.

Stephen Lee Rodda, 16 Stephen Lee Rodda of Lake Wales passed away Monday, September 4, 2023 in Lake Wales. He was born October 12, 2006 in Winter Haven. Stephen loved playing video games and spending time with his family. He was devoted to taking care of his grandmother and had

www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com

 

[borndem]

Thanks for posting the Obituary for Stephen, @PayrollNerd -- it's both sweet and sad.
Happy-looking guy; what a loss for so many folks who knew & loved him.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Thanks for posting the Obituary for Stephen, @PayrollNerd -- it's both sweet and sad.
Happy-looking guy; what a loss for so many folks who knew & loved him.

I was pleasantly surprised to see his birth father, his murderer, was not mentioned. I get that his father was mentally ill, and from the Docket, appears that he will be committed, but still. Stephen Lee deserved a beautiful obit and I'm happy he has one.

 

[c@tw0man]

Chattahoochee awaits it's newest "Star" patient.

 

[10ofRods]

Disgusting and disturbing. I can't comprehend how anyone could hurt a child, let alone their own.

The murderer in this case apparently thought his son was already dead.

The document said during an interview with detectives, the victim’s father, Stephen Thomas Rodda, said he thought his son died years ago when he was a child and other conflicting statements.

Affidavit reveals what Polk County dad said after killing his 16-year-old son

An affidavit released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office revealed new disturbing details in the murder of Stephen Lee Rodda, who deputies say was killed by his own father.

www.wfla.com

Article also mentions that the murderer had a history of psychotic episodes AND meth use. SMH.

 

[PatLaurel]

Any updates? Is STR suffering a very painful withdrawal yet?

MOO

 

[tlorik]

Any updates? Is STR suffering a very painful withdrawal yet?

MOO

I sincerely hope so!

 

[PatLaurel]

Sentenced to life without parole.

https://showcase.polkcountyclerk.net/showcaseweb/

1. 53-2023-CF-007258-A000-XX

 

[PatLaurel]

Inmate Population Information Detail

 

[PatLaurel]

The grandfather of Stephen Lee, Thomas W. Rodda, passed away on May 21, 2025. Truly sad.

May they both rest peacefully, together again.

MOO JMO