An elderly Bradenton woman who went missing a year ago was declared dead by a Manatee County judge. Officials believe her brother was involved, and she was likely dismembered. Police started investigating in February 2024 when Catherine Stirm, 67, had not been heard from since Jan. 22, 2024. Detectives said she was in touch with her coworkers that day but didn't show up to work the following days. Officers found her car at the Sawgrass Cove Apartments on Jan. 30, 2024, where her brother, Scott Stirm, lives. Detectives repeatedly tried to make contact with Scott but were unsuccessful. Detectives said Catherine was seen on a door camera entering Scott's apartment on Jan. 22, 2024 but never seen leaving. The camera also recorded Scott struggling to carry and drag large, heavy-duty bags out of his apartment and on Jan. 31, 2024, he appeared to move personal belongings, according to a news release. A search warrant was conducted at Scott's home on Feb. 1, 2024. Police say the evidence collected makes them "gravely concerned" for Catherine's welfare. They found a hand saw, power saw and cleaning products. During another search warrant at the Manatee County landfill, detectives recovered a knife, hatchet and bloody clothing in a bag that also contained Scott's mail. That night, his car was found at the Days Inn on Windmere Road in Brooksville. Scott was found dead in his hotel room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Catherine was not with her brother but he had her driver's license. Officials with the Bradenton Police Department said they believe Scott had knowledge of her death and she was likely dismembered and disposed of in an unknown location, according to the release. Multiple items were tested for Catherine's DNA but the results were inconclusive. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/bradenton-woman-disappeared-declared-dead/67-466abe24-5fd2-460e-9d30-92638c313296