Filomena Garay-Chavez, a 23-year-old woman from Immokalee, Florida, was murdered on August 12, 2009, outside her home on State Road 29. She was found by Collier County deputies at around 2 a.m., bleeding and unconscious in the front yard of her residence. She was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, where she later died from her injuries. An autopsy was conducted soon after, though details of the injuries were not fully disclosed, as it remains part of the ongoing investigation by the Collier County Sheriff's Office.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots and other noises the night of the incident. According to one account, Garay-Chavez had been shot in the chest and stomach and possibly struck with a shovel, though these details have not been officially confirmed by authorities. The home where she was found was owned by a company based in West Palm Beach, and there were only two residences in the vicinity, making the crime even more unsettling for those living nearby. Witnesses also mentioned seeing a dark pickup truck leaving the area shortly after the gunshots were heard, but no arrests have been made to date, and the case remains unsolved.
Over the years, the investigation into Garay-Chavez's death has faced many challenges, including a lack of solid leads. Despite efforts by law enforcement, such as issuing public appeals and revisiting the evidence through various investigations, no suspects have been named. The Collier County Sheriff's Office has continued to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward, either directly or anonymously via Crime Stoppers, in hopes of finally bringing justice for Filomena and her family. This case is one of many cold cases that underscore the need for community involvement to help solve long-standing crimes in the area.
