Helen Ramona Bretz, 56, was found dead in her Jacksonville home on Myra Street on February 20, 2021. Her 12-year-old son heard a noise about 6:45 p.m. and discovered her lying on the floor with an extensive chest wound. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded but she could not be saved.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office classified the death as a murder. Investigators reported a severe chest wound but initially could not confirm whether it was caused by a gun or a knife. No arrests have been announced and the Sheriff’s Office has asked the public for tips, offering a reward for information that could lead to an arrest.

Helen lived with her younger son; her older son, Kamryn Bretz, was not home when the killing occurred. Family and neighbors have organized support, including a GoFundMe, and have spoken about the impact of her loss. If anyone has information about what happened that evening, please share it with investigators.