Stephanie Jackson

Stephanie Jackson was a devoted mother and grandmother, a righteous, God-fearing woman who was a pillar of her community in Gifford, Florida. Described by those who knew her as kind and beautiful, the 48-year-old was the type of person everyone loved. She had worked at a local citrus packinghouse for 25 years and had recently been promoted to supervisor. Stephanie lived with her daughter, Tonia Edwards, and her grandchildren, and the two women were said to be like best friends. In her spare time, she loved decorating her home, cooking for her family, and going thrift shopping with her sister. She attended St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church and was remembered as a cherished member of her community.

The morning of September 3, 1999, began like any other in their home in the 4100 block of 46th Place. Tonia left to take her children to school, a routine part of her day. When she returned shortly after 9 a.m., she found the front door locked, which was unusual. Inside, a horrific scene awaited her. She discovered her mother seated in a living room chair, shot to death. A pillow, pierced by three bullet holes, had been placed over her face. In a harrowing 911 call, Tonia cried, "Somebody shot my momma. Please hurry up."

Investigators from the Indian River County Sheriff's Office found no signs of forced entry into the home. Two purses in the kitchen had been knocked over and rummaged through, but the killer had left behind $187 in cash. The only item taken was Tonia Edwards' driver's license. The license was found the next day, discarded along 66th Avenue not far from the house. Detectives noted that the killer had locked the push-button lock on the door handle when leaving, a detail that suggested a familiarity with the home, perhaps even a habit. The personal nature of the crime—using a pillow to cover the victim's face and stealing a personal item not for monetary gain—led investigators to believe the motive was likely revenge and that the killer knew the family.

The investigation continued for years without an arrest, leaving Stephanie's family without answers. At the time of the murder, Tonia Edwards was going through a difficult divorce from her ex-husband, Jeffrey Swanigan, a former military man with an allegedly violent past. Tonia told investigators that he had been stalking and threatening her. An eyewitness reported seeing Swanigan's distinctive red truck coming out of an orange grove near the crime scene just minutes before Stephanie's body was discovered. He became a person of interest in the case, but no charges were filed.

In 2024, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office reopened the case, partnering with the Florida Attorney General's Office and the team from the Oxygen television series "Cold Justice." Advances in forensic technology allowed for the re-examination of evidence. A new DNA mixture, containing genetic material from at least two people, was discovered on the pillow used in the murder. In April 2024, the sheriff's office announced they had a "solid suspect" and issued a public statement: "We have a solid suspect and would like to remind him that technology has come a long way in that time."

As of October 2025, the case officially remains unsolved pending further DNA analysis. The Indian River County Sheriff's Office and Stephanie's loved ones continue to seek justice. Detective Bridgette Sanders, the lead on the case, has emphasized the need for closure, stating, "Every family that has lost a loved one in a death like that deserves justice." The Florida Sheriffs Association’s Cold Case Commission has also reviewed the homicide, bringing fresh eyes to the investigation. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800-273-TIPS (8477), referencing case number 1999-83183.