Still no answers in the murder of Junior Kelly

By Carrie A. Mizell

The brutal murder of a 78-year-old farmer sent shockwaves through Gilchrist County some 365 days ago.
Despite the fact that a full year has passed and a reward of $5,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the person, or persons involved in the murder, no arrests have been made.
Robert Willis, assistant state attorney, said on Tuesday morning that the case is still being worked by local law enforcement and that nothing has been submitted for prosecution.
“I wish I could tell you there is a case we are diligently working on, but that’s just not the status,” Willis said. “Hopefully something will come soon.”
Kelly’s friends also hope that the person or persons responsible for the murder will be brought to justice.
Mildred Culpepper, who was Kelly’s best friend for over 40 years and also the person to discover his body said, “I lost the most wonderful person in my life on November 19, 2008. He was always there when I needed him and he was a strong person in his beliefs. He made me stronger and gave me strength.”
“I wonder if the person or persons who did such a horrible thing ever think of the brutal horrible things they did to him,” Culpepper continued. “I cannot imagine how they live with their conscience.”
Kelly was found dead inside his home on County Road 341 in what then-Sheriff David Turner called, “An apparent home invasion that took place in the middle of the night.”
The victim of at least five burglaries between June 5, 2007 and November 19, 2008, Kelly feared for his own safety.
At no time was his fear more evident than in a Letter to the Editor printed in the July 24, 2008 issue of the Gilchrist County Journal, when Kelly stated a number of items that had been stolen from his home.
“Although the loss of money and stolen items is troubling, the real and most damaging loss is my peace of mind,” Kelly stated in the letter. “At 78, I should not have to deal with waking up at night, lying in my bed, and listening for an intruder.”
Kelly’s foreboding words, which included the following statement, “The boldness of the criminals heightens my concern,” were meant to serve as a warning to the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office that action must be taken to protect not only himself, but all citizens of Gilchrist County.
Anyone with any information on the crime should call 463-7867.