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Sources: Suspect in custody in connection to death of Atlantic Coast HS teacher

One source tells First Coast News that the suspect, a man, was a neighbor of Vivian James, 49. James was found dead inside her Westside home Saturday, Dec. 28.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Multiple sources, including those close to the victim, are telling First Coast News the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has at least one suspect in custody in connection to the death of an Atlantic Coast High School teacher.

One source close to the victim tells First Coast News that the man in custody was a neighbor of Vivian James, 49. James was found dead inside her Westside home Saturday, Dec. 28.

Sources have given First Coast News the suspect's name but we are not releasing it pending confirmation from JSO. We have reached out to JSO for more information, and gave JSO the suspect's name and charges we found on the inmate log.

On Monday morning, a spokesperson for JSO responded and said, "It appears the person listed below has been charged with crimes related to dealing in stolen property. The active homicide investigation continues and further information would be released as it becomes available." 

 The suspect is facing three charges related to tampering with evidence and one charge of dealing in stolen property, according to JSO's inmate log. 

On Saturday, Dec. 28, JSO found the body of a woman in her mid-40s inside a Westside home in the 5100 block of Glen Alan Court. Police did not disclose how she died but said they suspect foul play and that the case is being investigated as a homicide. Officers believe the woman was dead for about 48 hours before her body was discovered by a friend.

Police call logs show police received a call about a robbery and home invasion with injuries at 7:41 a.m., the same time police said they were called to the scene in an earlier news conference.

RELATED: Police call log: Robbery, home invasion reported at home where Atlantic Coast HS teacher found dead

Police have not confirmed the victim's identity, but friends, family, co-workers and students told First Coast News it was James who was found dead inside her home.

A vigil for James was held Sunday at Friendship Fountain on the Southbank. Attendees brought candles and wore purple, her favorite color, to honor her.

"If you have an attitude, she was going to love you," a former student said. "If you hated chemistry, she was going to love you. She was going to fail you with a smile."

A celebration of life will be held at Atlantic Coast High School on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m.

RELATED: 'If you had an attitude, she was going to love you:' Vigil held in memory of Atlantic Coast HS teacher found dead inside Westside home

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