GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A month-long investigation ended last Friday with murder and sexual battery charges for a Keystone Heights man.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced that Joe Arthur Turner, 27, of Keystone Heights faces one count of murder in the death of Jordan Cooper, a woman with intellectual disabilities who went missing around Thanksgiving and was later found in the attic of her parents’ home on Dec. 11. He is also charged with sexual battery.

In a prepared statement, CCSO officials said Turner faces a charge of burglary involving a case completely unrelated to Cooper. Jail records show that authorities booked him into the Clay County Jail on Dec. 28 on one count each of burglary and grand theft valued between $300 and 4,999.

“Evidence obtained during that investigation subsequently linked Joe Arthur Turner to Jordan Cooper’s murder, sexual assault and the burglary of her residence,” states the CCSO press release dated Jan. 19.

Sheriff’s Office officials said they could not release information Turner’s burglary charge at the time of making the murder charge announcement.

“Preserving case integrity was no easy task, but we were awaiting on evidence confirmation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” the press release states.

CCSO officials said they are thankful for everyone who assisted in the Cooper investigation.

“Federal, state and local law enforcement, along with the entire community, worked tirelessly during this troublesome time,” the release states. “Case integrity is of paramount importance, especially considering the case closure does not stop here, but rather once the judicial process has been completed.”

Cooper’s body was positively identified by the Duval County Medical Examiner’s Office. Sheriff Darryl Daniels said Dec. 9 that foul play was suspected in Cooper’s death, but did not comment further other than to say the case is an ongoing investigation.

At the time of publication, Turner remain in the jail where he is being held without bond.

When Cooper was reported missing, the sheriff’s office launched an aggressive search that also involved members of the community that went on for days.

“We want to thank everyone who assisted in this investigation. Federal, state and local law enforcement, along with the entire community, worked tirelessly during this troublesome time. As we have maintained from the beginning, this case was of the utmost importance to us and though we were limited on releasable information during the investigation, we hope the community understands now,” states the press release from the sheriff’s office.

During the search, the Cooper family was open and willing to speak with the media, however, when Jordan Cooper’s body was found, the family ceased communication with the news media.

“We know that there are more questions people have; however, we have released all that we can for now. Please understand that we now have to consider the prosecution process. Let’s now move forward and support Jordan Cooper’s family, friends and acquaintances. The job of our CCSO members is not over, so we covet your prayers, as well,” states the press release.