Search for answers: Cape Coral killer still out there 10 years later

Alfred Griffiths’ family describes the slain store manager as a talented swimmer in the butterfly stroke, a “mama’s boy” and a beloved store manager who loved gardening and electronic dance music.

But more than 10 years since he was shot outside a Cape Coral retail store, his sisters, Pam Griffiths and Claudia Griffiths Marsh, hope someone with information will help bring his killer to justice.

Alfred Griffiths, 54, worked for the company for 14 years, according to the Massachusetts-based retailer.

According to witnesses, Alfred Griffiths was on a cigarette break outside the TJ Maxx store on Del Prado Boulevard when he was shot multiple times Nov. 18, 2024, while a Cape Coral Police cruiser sat in the parking lot.

Alfred Griffiths died at the hospital. Authorities have said it is unclear if the assailant targeted him.

Police describe the suspect as white, in his 40s with a thin build and white- or light-colored hair and rimmed eyeglasses. Authorities said the initial information indicated that the suspect was wearing a long-sleeve fleece T-shirt or jacket.

His sisters, Pam Griffiths, 61, who lives in Los Angeles, and Griffiths Marsh, 55, who lives in Atlanta, say a billboard Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers placed in the area of Pine Island Road and Skyline Boulevard, in Cape Coral, on the 10-year anniversary of the slaying brought mixed emotions.

“I feel like so much has gone on and changed over the years,” Pam Griffiths said. “One thing that remains constant is the feeling of loss.”

Pam Griffiths said her brother was a caretaker for their mother, who also used to live in Cape Coral. Their parents moved to Cape Coral in 1987.

Murder suspect dead: LCSO: Barricaded man suspected of Lehigh Acres homicide dies from self-inflicted gunshot

“It was the longest our mother lived in one place,” Pam Griffiths said. She moved out-of-state after the murder.

For Pam Griffiths, the words “Del Prado” do not have “the most positive meaning,” she said. The sisters also said the retailer has done “the minimum” to help them seek justice.

“Then, as now, we remain saddened by the tragic passing of our Cape Coral store manager, Mr. Alfred Griffiths. Alfred worked for TJ Maxx for more than 10 years and made a tremendous impression on those who knew him,” Andrew Mastrangelo, spokesperson for TJ Maxx, wrote in an emailed statement. “He was not only an exemplary associate, but he was also known for his many philanthropic endeavors in the local community. We continue to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to Alfred’s family and friends … As this is still an unsolved case, we remain committed to cooperating with local law enforcement as needed.”

The Griffiths family has decried the limited information they have received around Alfred Griffiths’ slaying.

“It’s just mind-boggling that there isn’t more information,” Griffiths Marsh said.

Alfred Griffiths’ athleticism lives on in family

Griffiths Marsh said Alfred Griffiths’ legacy lives in one of her children, who is a senior in high school and is on the swim team.

Pam Griffiths and Griffiths Marsh recalled their brother was “very athletic” and excelled in every sport growing up.

Griffiths Marsh said her brother “would be so proud” of her son as she explained the legacy he has left.

Griffiths Marsh said her son has been a varsity swimmer all four years of high school.

“My son actually really reminds me of Al in a lot of ways,” Griffiths Marsh said. “It’s wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.”

Alfred Griffiths has missed family milestones

“He was very family oriented,” Griffiths Marsh said.

Pam Griffiths recalled that when their mother turned 80 just before the slaying, the family gathered to celebrate. This year is their mother’s 90th birthday.

“He’s missed the last 10 birthdays,” Griffiths Marsh said. “So that’s hard. The anniversaries are always very hard.”

The Griffiths sisters said their brother has also missed his nieces’ and nephews’ academic and athletic milestones.

“He has missed seeing both my sister and I flourish in new careers,” Griffiths Marsh said. The sisters also had weddings.

Heartbreaking billboard, Griffiths family says

Pam Griffiths said she froze when she saw the billboard Cape Coral Police shared on social media concerning her brother’s murder.

“The billboard was heartbreaking,” she said. “It shut me down pretty much literally for the rest of the day when I saw a picture of it, because it’s a stark reminder of a variety of things…”

The billboard, titled, “STILL UNSOLVED…10 YRS LATER!” in all-caps, includes a photo of Alfred Griffiths and the message, “It’s never too late to help solve this case!”

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has raised the cash reward to $5,000.

Anyone with information in the case who wishes to remain anonymous and eligible for the cash reward may contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477.

Officer Mercedes Simonds, spokesperson for Cape Coral Police, said tipsters may also call police at 239-574-3223.

“The Cape Coral Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing justice to the family of a victim in a homicide case that has gone unsolved for ten years. This case is not closed and will not be closed until it is solved,” Simonds wrote in an emailed statement.

“The passage of time does not lessen our determination. We owe it to the victim, their loved ones, and the Cape Coral community to continue pursuing every lead and leveraging advancements in investigative techniques to ensure that justice is served.”

Alfred Griffiths loved being around family pets

Pam Griffiths and Griffiths Marsh said their brother had a passion for household pets and loved to play with them.

“He would sit there, and he would just play with the dog so rough,” Pam Griffiths remembered.

Griffiths Marsh said he had a greyhound for several years.

Alfred Griffiths was loved by coworkers

Pam Griffiths and Griffiths Marsh said their brother loved his job and was loved by his employees.

At one point, Griffiths Marsh said, he had his own store — Marietta Clothiers — where he worked with their father before he started working for TJ Maxx.

“I would love to hear from some of his employees… That would be fun,” Griffiths Marsh said. “Like, some of their memories of him.”

Griffiths Marsh said her brother used to arrange cookouts with his employees.

“He loved Florida because of just how easy it was to grow things,” Griffiths Marsh said. “Very much a green thumb.”

Signs of Alfred Griffiths trigger memories

Griffiths Marsh said finding glitter around her home is a stark reminder.

She recalled that at one point Alfred Griffiths helped create a wreath made of glitter.

“The wreath was gorgeous,” Griffiths Marsh said. “I was irritated at first, but then, after his murder, every once in a while I’d see a little piece of glitter pop up.”

Griffiths Marsh said that since his death she has found pieces of glue and glitter around her home.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Family pushes for answers in decade-old TJ Maxx murder

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel