In the fall of 1999, Esther Waas was just days from realizing her dream. The mother of three boys, she had returned to school to become a nurse's assistant and was just days from graduating. Her last days of school had been rough as she had been battling complications from her current pregnancy. On October 19, Esther was at home preparing for her exams when someone knocked on the door. The man claimed to be an investigator from New York who was looking for Esther's boyfriend. Esther told him there must be some mistake and called her boyfriend, Her boyfriend immediately became suspicious, and told her to call the police. Before Esther could dial 911, the man shot her in the head. Esther survived, but the attack left her blind in one eye and partially paralyzed. She lost her unborn child.

Esther's three young sons were playing in their room when the man knocked on the door.

Detectives believe one of Esther's young sons saw what happened, but he was too young to give a description of the suspect.

Due to Esther's injuries, she could not remember many details of her attack.

Detectives say it was not a robbery attempt. Nothing was taken from the home and nothing was disturbed inside the home.

Detectives say they have no suspects.

Esther Waas says she lives in constant fear because the unknown attacker is still on the loose.

St. Lucie Sheriff's Office: (772) 462-7300
Crimestoppers: (800) 273-8477