Justice Served: Arrest Made in 39-Year-Old Cold Case Murder of Melissa Ellison
A 70-year-old man has been taken into custody for the 39-year-old murder of Melissa Ellison in her Westside mobile home, according to Sheriff T.K Waters. Gary Edward Glowacz was apprehended on charges of murder and burglary with assault. The arrest was made public during a press conference attended by members of Ellison's family. Ellison, a 20-year-old woman, was fatally beaten in her bedroom, while her then-13-month-old daughter Casie was unharmed.
Ellison's family, along with First Coast Crime Stoppers and law enforcement, made a plea for new leads in the case earlier this year. Cold Case Detective Ray Reeves mentioned that crucial information came to light as a result of this plea. The involvement of First Coast Crime Stoppers played a significant role in gathering this information.
Known as Missy Taylor to many, Ellison got married after high school and had a daughter named Casie. Following her separation from her husband, she resided with Casie in a mobile home on Coljean Court. In the early hours of December 28, 1987, an intruder broke into the home, striking Ellison with a charred log from her fireplace. Her roommates discovered her lifeless body in the bedroom, while Casie was found unharmed on a couch in the living room.
During a press conference earlier this year, Casie Ellison appealed to the public for assistance in solving her mother's murder. She emphasized that her mother was defenseless and posed no threat to anyone. The news conference also featured Project: Cold Case, an organization dedicated to highlighting unsolved murders in Jacksonville.
Glowacz, who has a history of arrests dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, including charges of burglary and grand theft, is currently in custody without bail. The Sheriff's Office did not disclose the specific details that led to Glowacz's arrest. His arrest report was not made available at the time of the announcement.
Sheriff Waters emphasized the department's commitment to pursuing justice for victims, regardless of the time it takes. He acknowledged the emotional toll these cases have on the families of the victims and the law enforcement officials tasked with solving them.