The Murder of Junior Kelly

[Tammy McCurdy]

Gilchrist County, Florida Farmer Murdered.

I resided in Bell, Florida for a while and stumbled on the case of Junior Kelly. Even after moving from the area I still think about the case and how such a small community struggles to find the answers. Kelly made numerous reports of intruders in his home during the night and stated he feared for his life. In July 2009 a $5000 reward was offered in the case. There is not a whole lot of information on the case.
Posted below are original articles published on the case.


Gilchrist farmer killed in apparent home invasion

Junior Kelly Update

 

[nurseygal3]

Gilchrist County, Florida Farmer Murdered.

I resided in Bell, Florida for a while and stumbled on the case of Junior Kelly. Even after moving from the area I still think about the case and how such a small community struggles to find the answers. Kelly made numerous reports of

 

[Tammy McCurdy]

Thanks for reposting.

 

[MicheleT]

From the Update Article:
"Kelly stated, “Although the loss of money and stolen items is troubling, the real and most damaging loss is my peace of mind. At 78, I should not have to deal with waking up at night, lying in my bed, and listening for an intruder. I should not have to wonder each morning what has been stolen during the night … It is obvious that the criminals are far more persistent than the law enforcement officers in this county.”
He was eloquent and upset. I hope they find who did this.

 

[Tammy McCurdy]

From the Update Article:
"Kelly stated, “Although the loss of money and stolen items is troubling, the real and most damaging loss is my peace of mind. At 78, I should not have to deal with waking up at night, lying in my bed, and listening for an intruder. I should not have to wonder each morning what has been stolen during the night … It is obvious that the criminals are far more persistent than the law enforcement officers in this county.”
He was eloquent and upset. I hope they find who did this.

His best friend of 40 years was the last one to talk to him and the person who discovered his body. There is little information on the case. Other than the night he was murdered he sold some cows and received cash from the sale. This is what they believe the motive was. I find it bizarre because he had made 5 reports of break-ins to his residence. Why was he not protected? In the article posted below. According to the Gilchrist County Journal, the current reward money to $15,000 yet no one has come forward ( I just found the article.)

http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/00/02/83/00/00453/01-02-2014.pdf

Who killed Junior Kelly? | Gilchrist County Journal