A nearly 8-year murder case has been solved, giving a grieving Brevard County mother closure.
The ordeal for Cathy Clifton has been unbearable at times.
Her son John Clifton Jr. was murdered outside her Rockledge home in September 2007 and she saw the whole incident.
After years of waiting for an arrest, the day has finally come.
"It's been terrible,” Clifton said. “I knew this day would come though.”
Detectives said 37-year-old Tamond Cole is responsible for John’s death.
They said their investigation is still ongoing, but are not discussing details of his death. However, they said they are looking for additional suspects in this case.
"At the end of last year, we were able to catch a break,” said Rockledge police Detective Nick Galluzzi. “A new witness came into the investigation."
The witness coming forward, combined with Cathy's persistence, made all the difference.
She had billboards put up that stood up month after month. Cathy also spoke with investigators weekly, sometimes several days a week.
"I never gave up. And finally did it. I got him. Got the shooter," Clifton said.
To this day, she does not know why her son, and a father of two, was killed. But she has a message for the Cole.
“I hope he gets what’s coming and then some,” Clifton said.
Cole is facing second-degree murder charges. There is no word yet when he will be extradited to Brevard.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Cole served a 15-year sentence beginning in 2008 on aggravated battery with a weapon charges.