TAMPA, Fla. — A nearly three-decade-old cold case has been cracked by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Brandon Gliha, 47, has been arrested after confessing to the 1997 murder of Stephen Edenfield.
Edenfield, who was found stabbed and beaten inside his home on February 1, 1997, had evidence of a violent struggle. Authorities also discovered the word “greed” written in blood on his bedroom wall. Despite extensive efforts, the case went unsolved for nearly 28 years.
The investigation was reopened in 2022, and forensic analysis led to a significant breakthrough. A previously unknown DNA profile was linked to a 2005 sexual assault case in Illinois. Further testing through Othram Labs, funded by a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant, helped identify Gliha, who now lives in Tampa. Additional testing was provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Gliha was arrested in February 2025 on an unrelated warrant in Illinois. Upon questioning by HCSO Cold Case investigators, Gliha confessed to the murder. He has been charged with first-degree murder with a weapon (premeditated) and robbery with a deadly weapon, less than $750.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commented, “For 28 years, Stephen Edenfield’s family has waited for answers. Today, we can finally give them some measure of peace… While nothing can erase the loss they have suffered, we hope knowing that justice has been served brings them comfort.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
