The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has made a breakthrough in a 39-year-old cold case announcing the arrest of a 70-year-old man in connection with the beating death of Melissa Ellison in 1987. The suspect, Gary Edward Glowacz turned himself in after contacting authorities with information about the case.

The arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Ellison, a 20-year-old mother who was tragically killed in her Westside mobile home. The case had remained unsolved for decades, leaving her family and the community searching for answers.

The call that changed everything

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Glowacz called the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, expressing his desire to provide information about Ellison’s death. He was subsequently taken to Jacksonville, where detectives interviewed and arrested him. Glowacz now faces charges of murder and burglary with assault.

Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the arrest at a news conference on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with members of Ellison’s family present. The sheriff emphasized the department’s commitment to seeking justice, regardless of how much time has passed.

A brutal crime and a long wait for justice

On the morning of December 28, 1987, Ellison was found dead in her bedroom, having been clubbed to death with a charred log from her fireplace. Her 13-month-old daughter, Casie, was unharmed and found in the living room, surrounded by pillows. The log was left at the front door, adding to the chilling nature of the crime.

The case went cold for years, but in January 2026, Ellison’s family, along with First Coast Crime Stoppers and police, renewed their plea for new leads. This effort ultimately bore fruit, leading to Glowacz’s arrest.

The role of First Coast Crime Stoppers

First Coast Crime Stoppers played a crucial role in reigniting interest in the case. The organization, which began in 2015 to log and publicize Jacksonville’s unsolved murders, held a digital news conference in January 2026. This event helped gather new information that proved pivotal in the investigation.

Chase Robinson, the executive director of First Coast Crime Stoppers, highlighted the importance of giving families a platform to share their stories. He noted that the digital news conference series was designed to reach the right audience and encourage tips.

“It was because of this press conference that we reached the right target audience, and it allowed for information to come forward to allow JSO to make an arrest in the case,” Robinson said.

A suspect with a criminal history

Glowacz, a resident of Clay County, has an extensive arrest record dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. His criminal history includes charges of burglary, grand theft, and drug-related offenses. Despite this, the Sheriff’s Office has not provided details about Glowacz’s activities over the past 39 years.

Glowacz remains jailed without bail, awaiting his first appearance before a judge. The state attorney’s office is handling the case, and further details about the investigation are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.

A family’s journey to closure

For Ellison’s family, the arrest brings a sense of closure and relief. Casie Ellison, who was just a toddler at the time of her mother’s murder, expressed her gratitude for the justice served.

“I know that it’s never going to bring my mom back, but it does have a ridiculous release of closure,” Casie Ellison said. “I can now see the world differently.”

The arrest also underscores the importance of perseverance in solving cold cases. Sheriff Waters emphasized that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families, no matter how long it takes.