VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Indian River County Sheriff's Office said they have positively identified the remains of a woman who vanished more than five years ago and are now looking for a man possibly connected to the case.
Assunta "Susy" Tomassi, 73, who had dementia, disappeared in Vero Beach on March 16, 2018.
The sheriff's office announced in early March that a fisherman discovered skeletal remains near the Oslo Road boat ramp. Through personal items located near the remains, detectives previously said they believed the remains were Tomassi.
Sheriff Eric Flowers said Tuesday that Tomassi was shot, which contributed to her death.
Expensive items, including jewelry, were recovered with Tomassi's remains, so Flowers said they do not believe robbery was a motive in her killing.
"We're working to determine what a motive may be in a case like this," Flowers said.
Region Indian River County
New clue released in cold case disappearance of missing Vero Beach woman
Before her disappearance, Tomassi was last seen getting into a white pickup truck behind a Publix located at Oslo Road and U.S. Highway 1.
After Tomassi's remains were identified, Flowers said a woman came forward and said that a man — who was driving a similarly-looking truck in the area — attempted to lure her into his vehicle before Tomassi disappeared in 2018.
The woman could not recall the exact date this incident occurred but said it happened several months before Tomassi vanished.
The suspicious person was described as a man 30 to 40 years old with a medium build with almost shoulder-length brown hair.
Flowers said they had previously never heard of this tip until this year.
"We have taken this back to the drawing board, back to the beginning, and started the investigation because we are now working a homicide," Flowers said.
From that concerned resident's description, investigators developed a sketch of the man.
"Everyone is potentially a suspect in this case," Flowers said.
Cary Baker, Tomassi's daughter-in-law, said her job now is to be Susy's voice and get answers.
According to Baker, Tomassi was a proud, loving woman always willing to help.
"She taught me how to be a wife," Baker said. "She taught me how to be a mother."
Baker said many family members have grown frustrated with the investigation and learning their loved one was killed adds to the stress. Despite this, she is determined to carry on until there's justice.
"It's taken almost everything out of me to do it, but I'm going to keep fighting until that day comes," Baker said.
Anyone who can help in the case is urged to call the sheriff's office tip line at 772-978-6259 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477.
