A Florida man who contacted law enforcement claiming to have details about a decades-old cold case was arrested and charged with murder, authorities announced.
Gary Edward Glowacz, 70, faces charges of second-degree murder and burglary with assault or battery in connection with the December 1987 killing of 20-year-old Melissa Taylor Ellison.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, officers originally discovered Ellison dead in her bed with blunt force injuries nearly 40 years ago. Investigators noted at the time that Ellison’s roommates discovered her body after hearing her toddler crying on the living room couch.
Detectives initially reviewed evidence and conducted multiple interviews, but the investigation eventually went cold after running out of leads.
The investigation shifted on Wednesday, July 8, when Glowacz contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Dispatchers reported that Glowacz stated he wanted to provide information regarding Ellison’s death.
Following that call, investigators with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office interviewed Glowacz and subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest.
“While his arrest cannot fill the enormous void left in the hearts of Mellisa Ellison’s loved ones, I hope that this arrest is another step in the healing process,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said during a press conference.
Online inmate records show Glowacz was booked into the Duval County Jail. It is not yet clear if he has entered a plea or retained legal counsel to speak on his behalf.
Authorities have not released a potential motive for the killing.
READ: 22-Year-Old Arizona Man Gets 20 Years For 2024 Shooting Of New York Retiree
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
