Summary

In a significant breakthrough, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested a suspect in the 1997 murder of Stephen Edenfield in Tampa, Florida. On February 1, 1997, Edenfield was found brutally stabbed and beaten in his home, with the word “Greed” written in blood on his bedroom wall. Despite extensive initial investigations, the case remained unsolved for nearly three decades.

In 2022, HCSO’s Cold Case Unit employed advanced forensic DNA testing in collaboration with Othram. Forensic evidence was sent to Othram's labortory in The Woodlands, Texas and scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown suspect in the case. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a forensic search to develop new investigative leads in the case.

This investigative effort, funded by a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant and supported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, led to the identification of the previously unknown suspect in the case. The suspect, now living in Tampa, was arrested on an unrelated warrant out of Illinois in February of 2025. Following that arrest, HCSO Cold Case investigators interviewed Brandon Gliha, 47, who confessed to Edenfield's murder. On February 24, 2025, Gliha was charged with first-degree murder with a weapon and robbery with a deadly weapon.

Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed hope that this development brings some measure of peace to Edenfield’s family, acknowledging the long wait they have endured for answers.

The identification of Brandon Glih represents the 39th case in Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. This case underscores the importance of advanced forensic DNA technology in solving long-standing cases. Community support is vital in funding such efforts. Consider submitting your DNA profile to assist in bringing justice to unresolved cases.