Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announce arrest in 2002 murder

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is holding a news conference to announce an arrest in a 2002 murder.

In January 2002, officers were dispatched to a death investigation at the Palms Boarding House where victim Richard Morrison, 57, was found dead inside his room, the Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office ruled the death a homicide after the medical examiner ruled the cause of death as strangulation. The Sheriff's Office says some of Morrison's belongs were missing from his room.

No suspects were identified at that time, and the case went cold, according to the Sheriff's Office.

On Feb. 21, Kenny Maxwell, 41, went to the Police Memorial Building and wanted to confess to the murder, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said cold case detectives interviewed Maxwell, who gave a full confession.

Maxwell was arrested and faces murder charges, the Sheriff's Office said.

Kenny Maxwell has been arrested for the 2002 murder of Richard Morrison. #JAX #Jacksonville pic.twitter.com/6QlHwH1oO8
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) February 26, 2019

The suspect told detectives there was an altercation after he attempted to rob the victim and that's when the murder happened, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said the suspect said he knew the victim personally.

The Sheriff's Office said the suspect did not have much explanation as to why he was turning himself in.

This is an open investigation and authorities are investigating the possiblity of additional suspects.

WATCH LIVE: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announces arrest in 2002 murder
WATCH LIVE: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announces arrest in 2002 murder
Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, February 26, 2019