Putnam sheriff: Stabbing death 'most brutal murder I can remember' in county history

A Putnam County man is facing a murder charge after what the sheriff is calling the most brutal murder he can remember in the history of the county.

Deputies were called to a home on Sand Lake Road in Interlachen at 3:40 a.m. Sunday.

They found Alicia Marie Kerce, 37, with multiple stab wounds beside her home, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies were searching for Joseph McKee, 38, in connection with her death.

Deputies believe he took Kerce's truck then lit it on fire before ditching it near the Waldo flea market Sunday.

McKee was believed to have stolen another truck and fled the area. Deputies warned the public that he was armed and dangerous.

Deputies said one of McKee’s family members contacted the sheriff's office Monday morning saying McKee was in Jacksonville attempting to find a ride.

Detectives contacted Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and officers were sent to the area.

Deputies said McKee tried to catch a ride with a delivery truck driver and an argument escalated to an altercation. During the fight, the suspect broke his leg, according to deputies.

Deputies said McKee was unable to escape when officers arrived because of his leg injury. He was taken to the hospital and is now in the custody of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

He is charged with first-degree murder.

“The death of Alicia Marie Kerce is the most brutal murder I can remember in the history of Putnam County," Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said. "Our job now is to be the voice of the victim and see that this case is meticulously investigated and to hold the person responsible for her death accountable for this crime."

The investigation spanned several counties. Detectives worked closely with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The State Fire Marshal’s Office also assisted.

Cox Media Group