Press Releases

Bissram murder
June 13, 2009

Investigators are asking for the public’s help solving a year-old murder of a Collier County woman. Trish Routte with Crime Stoppers has the details on this case, and the family desperately seeking closure.

Just two years ago, Barbara Bissram was a 62 year old woman winning the battle with breast cancer. But on June 6th, 2007, an unknown assailant robbed her of the life she was fighting to live – and murdered her in her Collier County home.

“This was a very kind woman. We don’t have any idea why someone would want to do her harm like this," said Detective Ray Wilkinson of the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

James Bissam talked to his mother every few days – and the family became concerned when messages left for his mom weren’t returned.

“She’d always call my grandma – every day," Bissram said.

A welfare check of the home showed the back sliding door unlocked – which was unusual for Bissram. Inside, officers found her murdered. To this date, there is still no clear motive – no reason for her untimely death.

“Somebody could have come to the door, maybe seeking help. Or maybe someone she knew," Wilkinson said.

What has investigators stumped at this point is not only who committed this murder, but why. Ms. Bissram was a quiet woman who kept to herself and had no known enemies. Yet someone came into her house and forcefully took her life. Family members want to know why.

“If it was their mother, they’d want someone to come forward," Bissram said.

Det. Ray Wilkinson said Bissram’s case is on the verge of going cold – but the results of some forthcoming DNA evidence may soon point some leads in the right direction. In the meantime, he’s hoping that someone in the know will come forward to Crime Stoppers on who Barbara Bissram’s killer may be.

“Whoever did this to her is out there now, and we want to find out that person," Wilkinson said.

Anyone with information in the June 2007 murder of Barbara Bissram is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.