In a press briefing this afternoon, Sheriff Wayne Ivey of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office addressed the community regarding the ongoing homicide investigation in the Mims area.

Sheriff Ivey aimed to provide clarity amidst the heightened social media attention surrounding the case.

The victim, identified as 39-year-old Amber Renee Estep, was reported missing by her mother on January 19th after she failed to attend multiple work shifts.

The last confirmed sighting of Amber was on Tuesday afternoon, January 16th, when her husband, Brian Estep, reported seeing her after a medical appointment in Merritt Island.

According to Sheriff Ivey, during the missing person investigation, Brian Estep stated that an argument ensued between him and the victim after the medical appointment. He claimed to have dropped her off on 95, just north of State Road 50, as per her request to be let out of the vehicle.

In a disturbing turn of events, the Sheriff disclosed that within hours of their interview with Brian Estep, his pickup truck was discovered in Port Saint John, engulfed in flames. Law enforcement, in collaboration with the Fire Marshal’s office, is actively investigating the cause of the blaze.

Tragically, on the afternoon of January 20th, the victim’s lifeless body was found off State Road 46 near Pitbull Lane by a property owner. The Crime Scene Unit, alongside the Medical Examiner’s Office, responded to process the scene and gather crucial evidence in the case.

Sheriff Ivory emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with agents from the homicide and Crime Scene units conducting interviews, examining evidence, and approaching the case from multiple angles to bring Amber’s killer to justice.

The Sheriff urged community members to come forward with any information related to the investigation, encouraging them to contact Agent Neil Lee of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413.

Additionally, individuals can provide tips anonymously through CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS, with the assurance of confidentiality and eligibility for a reward.

In closing, Sheriff Ivory requested the community to keep Amber’s family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He expressed gratitude to the dedicated team members and agents for their relentless efforts to bring closure to the family and justice for Amber.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses