A Florida man who reached out to authorities claiming to have information about a 1987 killing was arrested and charged with murder, according to investigators.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced on July 9, 2026, that 70-year-old Gary Edward Glowacz was arrested in connection with the death of 20-year-old Melissa Ellison. Glowacz had contacted the sheriff's office earlier that day, expressing a desire to provide information about Ellison's death.

Following an interview with detectives, an arrest warrant was obtained. Glowacz was booked into the Duval County Jail on charges of murder and burglary with battery.

Officials marked the arrest as a significant development in a case that had remained unsolved for nearly 40 years. While the arrest cannot fill the void left in the hearts of Ellison's loved ones, it is seen as a step toward healing.

This case highlights that homicide investigations can be resolved even decades after the crime, countering the common perception that cases not solved within the first 48 hours remain unsolved.

Sources