Suspect in death of Putnam County woman located by Jacksonville police

5:37 P.M. MONDAY UPDATE: Deputies have identified the woman found dead outside an Interlachen home on Sunday.

Alicia Marie Kerce, 37, was found with multiple stab wounds beside her home on Sand Lake Road, deputies said.

Deputies were searching for Joseph McKee, 38, in connection with her death. He was captured in Jacksonville on Monday.

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 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. An argument escalated to an altercation and 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."

8:06 A.M. MONDAY UPDATE: According to Putnam County deputies, Joseph McKee of Interlachen has been located by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. McKee is a suspect in the death of a woman.

Original Story:

Putnam County deputies are searching for a man after a woman was found dead outside her home early Sunday morning.

STORY: Two children killed in Putnam County house fire, authorities say 

Deputies said they were called to a home on Sand Lake Road at 3:40 a.m. after a man found the 37-year-old woman -- his roommate -- dead in their yard.

Detectives are searching for Joseph McKee, 38, in connection with her death. Cpl. Joseph Wells with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said the two are acquaintances, but their relationship is unclear.

Deputies believe McKee took her 1990 red Nissan truck. It was found near the Waldo flea market later Sunday morning.

Deputies said a black, Ford F-250 was reported stolen from the area around the same time.

They believe McKee may be in the 1995 or 1996 truck. It has a silver toolbox.

"We do have reason to believe he is still in the North Florida area," Cpl. Joseph Wells with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said. "We're asking all of the counties surrounding us – and Jacksonville and North Florida – to keep a good eye out for him."

Deputies said McKee should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 or the sheriff’s office at 386-329-0800. 

Cox Media Group