A Cold Case Solved: Justice for Stephen Edenfield After 28 Years
A Quarter-Century of Questions Answers
In a stunning conclusion to a case that had gone cold for over 28 years, Florida authorities have finally identified and charged the man responsible for the tragic murder of Stephen Edenfield. Edenfield, a Tampa resident, was found brutally stabbed and beaten in his condo on February 1, 1997. His death left his family and investigators with unanswered questions for decades, but thanks to advances in forensic technology and relentless detective work, justice has finally been served. Brandon Gliha, a 47-year-old Tampa man, confessed to the crime during an interview with detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit. Gliha has been charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon, bringing closure to a case that haunted the community for generations.
The Night of the Murder: A Timeline of Tragedy
On the evening of January 31, 1997, Stephen Edenfield spent time with his brother and sister at dinner, enjoying what seemed like a normal night out. Later that evening, he left his apartment complex again, returning around 12:50 a.m. As he entered the complex, he forgot his remote and briefly spoke to a security guard. Edenfield mentioned to the guard that the driver of the car behind him was with him, but the guard did not get a good look at the driver. Within an hour of Edenfield returning home, neighbors began hearing signs of a disturbance—sounds of violence and calls for help. A security guard conducting rounds around 2 a.m. noticed a "dark shadow" near Edenfield’s apartment, but the person was not clearly identified.
The next day, Edenfield’s brother discovered his lifeless body in the apartment. The scene was gruesome, with evidence of a violent struggle. The word "Greed" was written on his bedroom wall in blood, but there were no signs of forced entry. Despite an initial investigation, no arrests were made, and the case went cold, leaving Edenfield’s family in anguish.
A Case Gone Cold, but Not Forgotten
For 28 years, Stephen Edenfield’s murder remained a mystery, with no leads or suspects. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation in 2022, determined to uncover the truth. Working with Othram Labs, a forensic genetic genealogy company, investigators used DNA evidence collected from the crime scene to develop a comprehensive DNA profile of the unknown suspect. This profile was then used in a forensic search to identify potential matches and generate new leads.
In 2024, the DNA profile linked to Edenfield’s case was matched to an unsolved 2005 sexual assault case in Illinois. Brandon Gliha, who was already in custody on an unrelated forgery charge, emerged as the suspect. Detectives from the Cold Case Unit interviewed Gliha, and during the interrogation, he confessed to Edenfield’s murder. Gliha was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon.
Justice Served, but at a Cost
While the resolution of the case brings relief to Edenfield’s family, it also highlights the heavy toll of waiting nearly three decades for answers. Edenfield’s sister, who had dined with him the night before his death, passed away before Gliha’s arrest. However, his brother, who discovered his body in 1997, lived to see the day when justice was finally served. Speaking to the media, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his condolences for the family’s long ordeal. "For 28 years, Stephen Edenfield’s family has waited for answers. Today, we can finally give them some measure of peace," he said. "No family should have to endure this kind of pain for so long. While nothing can erase the loss they have suffered, we hope knowing that justice has been served brings them comfort."
A Legacy of Persistence and Hope
The solving of Stephen Edenfield’s case is a testament to the power of perseverance and the evolution of forensic science. It also serves as a reminder that even the coldest of cases can be reopened and resolved, offering hope to other families waiting for answers. Brandon Gliha’s confession not only closes a painful chapter for Edenfield’s loved ones but also underscores the importance of never giving up on justice, no matter how much time has passed. As the case of Stephen Edenfield shows, justice may be delayed, but with determination and innovation, it is never truly denied.
