Suspicious disappearance of missing endangered woman, Catherine Stirm

February 2, 2024 

Case #: 2024-000882 

UPDATED (2/8/24): New photos of Cathy have been added to this press release. Detectives continue to process digital and physical evidence obtained through search warrants conducted on Thursday, February 1, and Friday, February 2.

Bradenton Police Detectives and the Manatee County Homicide Task Force are investigating the suspicious disappearance of 67-year-old Catherine Stirm.    

Coworkers requested a welfare check on Ms. Stirm, who lives in Manatee County, on January 29. Catherine spoke to coworkers on January 22 but failed to report to work in subsequent days.  

Detectives located Catherine's car at the Sawgrass Cove Apartment complex, 47th Avenue W., Bradenton, on January 30. Her brother, Scott Stirm, 64, lives at the complex. Repeated attempts to speak with Scott were unsuccessful. Detectives conducted a search warrant at Scott's home on Thursday, February 1. The evidence collected makes us gravely concerned for Catherine’s welfare.  

Detectives located Scott Stirm's vehicle at the Days Inn, 6320 Windmere Rd., Brooksville, on Thursday night. Scott was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his hotel room. Catherine was not with her brother.   

If you have any information about the disappearance of Catherine Stirm 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. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.