From the archives: Investigation continues into Gifford woman's shooting death

Editor's Note: This is a story from our archives. It appeared in the Press Journal newspaper on Sept. 6, 1999.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY − No arrests have been made so far in the Friday morning slaying of a woman at her Gifford home.

Stephanie Jackson, 48, was found by her daughter on the living room floor of her 4155 46th Place home shortly after 9 a.m. Friday morning.

Shot once in the head with a pistol, Jackson's death was ruled a homicide by Treasure Coast Medical Examiner Fred Hobin.

Her daughter, Tonya Swanigan, told investigators that she left the home sometime around 8:15 a.m. and returned shortly after 9 a.m., investigators said. Based on Swanigan's account, investigators believe Jackson was killed during that absence, said Indian River County sheriff's Sgt. Sid Dubose.

Investigators have said they have suspects, but have not elaborated.

"We're still just plugging along," said Sgt. Sid Dubose, of the Indian River County sheriff's detective unit. "If we knew who did it, he'd be in jail."

Investigators are hoping a neighbor may have seen someone at Jackson's home around the time of the slaying.

"If anybody saw anything, especially people they didn't recognize, then call us," Dubose said.

In the next few days, as investigators look for motives, they plan to map out Jackson's movements in the days prior to her death, Dubose said.

Saturday, relatives were allowed back inside Jackson's home, which she shared with her daughter and son, Ken Edwards. Edwards said his mother had planned a few errands for Friday.

"She was going to decorate her bedroom, again," Edwards said. "She was independent and hardworking. She went to church a lot. She was so quiet."

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: From the archives: Investigation continues into woman's shooting death