Man Charged in 1987 Cold Case Murder

Gary Glowacz has been charged with second-degree murder in the 1987 death of 20-year-old Melissa Ellison.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Accidents

Gary Glowacz, 70, faces charges of second-degree murder and armed burglary nearly four decades after the death of Melissa Ellison. The suspect was arrested in July 2026 after contacting the Clay County Sheriff's Office regarding the 1987 incident.

Why it matters

The case highlights the continued efforts of local law enforcement to resolve decades-old homicides through cold case investigations. The arrest brings renewed attention to the 1987 death of the victim, who was found in her home on Colejean Road.

Gary Glowacz is currently held in Duval County jail without bond following his arrest. He entered a not guilty plea on August 13, 2026, and faces charges of second-degree murder and armed burglary with assault or battery.

The players

Gary Glowacz

He is a 70-year-old man currently charged with second-degree murder and armed burglary regarding a 1987 cold case.

Melissa Ellison

She was a 20-year-old woman who died from blunt force trauma at her home in 1987.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating cold cases within the city of Jacksonville.

Clay County Sheriff's Office

This department received the initial contact from the suspect that led to his eventual arrest.

The details

Melissa Ellison was 20 years old when she was found dead from blunt force trauma in her Jacksonville home on Colejean Road on December 28, 1987. Detectives from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit conducted recent interviews and reviewed evidence to move the case forward.

December 28, 1987: Melissa Ellison was found dead in her home.
July 8, 2026: Gary Glowacz called dispatch regarding the cold case.
August 13, 2026: Gary Glowacz entered a not guilty plea.
October 1, 2026: Glowacz is scheduled to appear in court.

Legal Context

The arrest of a suspect 39 years after the 1987 homicide of Melissa Ellison demonstrates how cold case units utilize modern investigative tools to revisit decades-old crimes. Such developments follow a broader trend where law enforcement agencies leverage new forensic evidence or witness interviews to close cold cases that have remained stagnant for decades.

The development of this long-standing cold case serves as a reminder to the local community that criminal investigations can remain open indefinitely. While the case does not pose an immediate threat to the public, it underscores the persistence of local authorities in pursuing justice for historical crimes in Jacksonville.

The takeaway

This case illustrates that the passage of time does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges for historical homicides. Residents should be aware that police cold case units continue to evaluate and process old evidence to bring resolution to families.