Man, 57, shot 21-year-old girlfriend, drove away with her body

UPDATE

Winter Haven man involved in murder-suicide was Republican political operative in Pennsylvania

John M. Nicholson, 57, of Winter Haven is accused of shooting his 21-year-old live-in girlfriend, Kristy Lisenby, on Tuesday in Polk County.

Cops: Man, 57, shot 21-year-old girlfriend, drove away with her body
John "Jack" M. Nicholson, 57, is accused of shooting 21-year-old Kristy Lisenby at around 5:29 a.m. Tuesday in front of Jarrett Gordon Ford, 3015 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven.

Kevin P. Connolly

Sentinel Staff Writer

9:06 a.m. EDT, August 26, 2009



Authorities are searching for a Winter Haven man and his 21-year-old live-in girlfriend after witnesses said he shot the woman Tuesday and put her in his SUV before driving away.

John "Jack" M. Nicholson, 57, is accused of shooting Kristy Lisenby at around 5:29 a.m. Tuesday in front of Jarrett Gordon Ford, 3015 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven.

A witness took a photo of the 1991 Ford Explorer 2-door Sport that Nicholson was driving. The gray vehicle has a Florida license plate: F807FS. Nicholson lives at 80 Perch St., Winter Haven,

Authorities checked local hospitals but no one matching Lisenby's description has been treated, according to a news release this morning from the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Witness told authorities a man thought to be Nicholson was driving his SUV when he pulled alongside a woman later identified as Lisenby.

"Lisenby was then observed to walk to the vehicle, lean into the passenger window and at the same time, witnesses say they observed the driver, a male, raise an unknown type of gun at the victim. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot,'' according to the release.

"Witnesses reported they then saw Lisenby fall to the ground. The driver then exited the SUV, walked around picked up the victim, and placed her in the passenger seat. The suspect then drove away from the scene. "

An arrest warrant charging Nicholson with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm has been issued for him.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 863-534-6379 or 863-534-6200.