Jacksonville authorities announced Wednesday that Gary Edward Glowacz, 70, was arrested in connection with the 1987 killing of 20-year-old Melissa Ellison. Glowacz was booked into the Duval County Jail on charges of murder and burglary with battery, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The charges are allegations; no conviction has been reported.
Gary Edward Glowacz
Police said Glowacz contacted investigators and asked to provide information about Ellison’s death. Detectives interviewed him, developed information they said was probative to the investigation and obtained an arrest warrant that led to his booking.
How the tip led investigators to an arrest
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Glowacz initiated contact with investigators and agreed to be interviewed. Detectives then used the information gathered during that interview to seek and obtain an arrest warrant from a judge.
Officials did not disclose exact investigative details or what statements Glowacz made during the interview. The sheriff’s office described the arrest as the result of focused investigative work and coordination with partner agencies.
What police say about the 1987 killing of Melissa Ellison
Authorities say they responded to a home on Colejean Road about 4:40 a.m. on Dec. 28, 1987 after a report of a deceased person. Ellison, then 20, was found in her bed with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators previously said Ellison’s roommates checked on her after hearing her toddler crying on a living room couch. The case was investigated at the time and later became a cold case until renewed investigative attention in recent weeks.
Next steps and legal context
The matter has been referred to the appropriate prosecutorial authority. The State Attorney’s Office will review the investigative file, determine formal charges and set court dates as work progresses.
Officials emphasized that an arrest begins a legal process. A charge is an allegation; guilt must be established in court. Defense and prosecution will exchange evidence and appear before a judge as the case moves toward resolution.
Who assisted the investigation
Jacksonville officials publicly thanked partner organizations that assisted in developing leads and supporting investigative work, including Project Cold Case, First Coast Crime Stoppers and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Frequently asked questions
Has Gary Edward Glowacz been convicted?
The arrest announced by police lists charges of murder and burglary with battery. A charge is an allegation; no conviction has been reported. A conviction would require a court determination following trial or a guilty plea.
How did Glowacz come to the attention of investigators?
Police say Glowacz contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to provide information about Melissa Ellison’s death. Detectives interviewed him and later obtained an arrest warrant based on the evidence developed during that process.
Who should contact police with tips about this case?
Members of the public with relevant information are asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or First Coast Crime Stoppers. Investigators will evaluate any new, credible information.
Sources: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office statement and a press release from the State Attorney’s Office. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office provided details on the arrest and thanked partner agencies involved in the investigation, including Project Cold Case, First Coast Crime Stoppers and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
