St. Johns County deputies arrest suspect for 2018 murder, just days before Christmas

Jacksonville, FL — Months after a Jacksonville man was found dead in a rural area of St. Augustine, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has now arrested a suspect for his murder.

WOKV first told you about the death of 39-year-old Everett Thompson in the days before Christmas. At the time, the sheriff's office was asking for tips.  Now, deputies tell us they've taken 37-year-old Vermount Anderson Jr., into custody for Thompson's murder.

According to the sheriff's office, their investigation revealed that Anderson owed Thompson several thousand dollars.

On December 22nd, deputies say Thompson had allegedly driven to St. Augustine to collect his money from Anderson. During their interaction, the sheriff's office says Anderson allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired one shot at Thompson, hitting him in the head, and killing him.

Anderson’s warrant shows he denies meeting with Thompson on the day of his death. However, the warrant says investigators have call logs, text messages, cell site locations, and more, linking Anderson to the fatal shooting.

Anderson is currently being held on no bond for first-degree murder.