Missing Woman Has Detectives ‘Gravely Concerned’: Bradenton Police

BRADENTON, FL — Detectives are “gravely concerned” about a missing Bradenton woman after her brother was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

The “suspicious” disappearance of Catherine Stirm, 67, is being investigated by the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Task Force, police said in a news release.

Coworkers requested a welfare check on Stirm, who lives in Manatee County, on Monday. She last spoke to them on Jan. 22 but hadn’t reported to work since, police said.

Her car was found Sunday at the Sawgrass Cove apartment complex, where her brother, 64-year-old Scott Stirm, lived, on 47th Avenue W. in Bradenton.

After repeated attempts to speak with Scott were unsuccessful, detectives conducted a search warrant Thursday at his home.

Evidence found there has investigators “concerned for Catherine’s welfare,” police said.

Detectives located Scott’s vehicle Thursday night at the Days Inn at 6320 Windmere Road in Brooksville.

He was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his room, police said.

Catherine was not with her brother at the hotel, the agency added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Beckley at jeff.beckley@bradentonpd.com or call BPD at 941-932-9300.

Submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com or 866-634-8477 to be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.