The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a suspect linked to a cold case murder dating back to November 2015, revealing the news in a press release issued on Tuesday.

Kurt Dean, aged 24, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital after being shot during an attempted armed robbery at a business located on Edgewood Avenue South, which took place on November 19, 2015.

Dean was shot by the store owner in self-defense, according to JSO. He and an accomplice fled, but Dean did not survive his gunshot wound. 

While the store owner was not charged, police sought Dean’s accomplice in the robbery, intending to charge him for his role in causing Dean’s death.

JSO says that after they reviewed all available information and evidence, the case went cold.

This year, the Cold Case Unit decided to revisit Dean’s investigation. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office states that through further interviews and re-examining the evidence, they were able to identify 34-year-old Radariaus Javonn McGauley as an accomplice in the crime.

McGauley was already in custody on unrelated charges, but he was “re-arrested” on Tuesday and charged with felony murder.

“This case underscores the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s dedication to resolving violent crimes and ensuring those responsible face justice,” the JSO stated in their release. “The collaboration between our detectives and the State Attorney’s Office was crucial in reviewing the case, allowing us to deliver closure and answers to those affected by this crime.”