Sheriff: 5-year-old murder solved

Historic City News reporters were invited to join Becky Pruitt, the mother of 2007 murder victim, 31-year-old Clark Edwin McWhorter, as she shared her grief and gratitude this afternoon; following word that the crime has been solved and 34 year-old Phillip Carl Pomper was arrested.

Law enforcement officers and prosecutors from the Office of State Attorney RJ Larizza met Pruitt and media representatives at the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 2:00 p.m.

Cold Case detectives within the Sheriff Office, assisted by State Attorney Investigators in the Homicide Investigative Unit, were able to obtain a warrant for Pomper’s arrest on charges of first-degree murder.

On January 28, 2007, the body of Clark McWhorter was discovered in the roadway on Coastal Highway in Guana State Park. An autopsy revealed the victim died from a single gunshot wound.

Aided by tips and other sources, detectives learned that Pomper, who lives at 2533 Tempo Drive in Jacksonville, had specific knowledge about McWhorter’s death.

Pomper was located by Jacksonville police officers and the United States Marshal Service, and then questioned by investigators. During an interview, Pomper told investigators that he did not know McWhorter; however, he admitted to being involved in McWhorter’s death.

Detectives believe the murder was completely random and unprovoked, and no further suspects are being sought in this case, according to Kevin Kelshaw; spokesman for the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office.