December 29, 2025 | By: RJ Ensel, Austin Combs, Isaiah Lattanzio, John  Zhern, Mitchell Tyler, and Sheamus Donofry

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and Flagler College. 

Brandy Maples was a 29-year-old Florida native whose presence lit up any room she walked into. Described by her niece Kayla White as “always the life of the party.”

Brandy brought joy, laughter, and energy wherever she went. She was a vibrant soul. Full of personality, she always knew how to make others feel welcome, loved, and entertained. More than just a social light, Brandy was a devoted mother of four. Brandy’s children were the center of her world. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. She left a lasting impression- through her infectious laugh, her caring nature, and her ability to uplift those around her. Brandy shared a close and inseparable bond with her best friend, Tiffany. The two were often together, having sleepovers and binge-watching movies. They often took long car rides with the windows down, listening to Tupac and their favorite R&B artists. Their friendship was a source of comfort and joy. Their sisterhood was built on trust, laughter, and countless memories.

To her niece Kayla, Brandy was more than family; she was a role model and a trusted confidante.

The family admits that Brandy sometimes struggled with sharing time with people who didn’t have her best interests at heart. Brandy’s niece, Kayla, still looked up to her with admiration and love, often seeking her advice and guidance. Brandy had a way of making people feel heard and valued. She taught Kayla important lessons about respect, good manners, and how to carry herself. Brandy always kept Kayla in check, not out of discipline, but out of love and care. She was someone who held others accountable while lifting them up. Brandy’s life and tragic outcome inspired Kayla to go to college and graduate with a criminology degree. She hopes to use her degree to help other families find the truth behind tragic deaths just like Brandy’s.

On the morning of January 20, 2016, Brandy Maples was found near the intersection of Palomino Drive and Morgan Road in Milton, Florida. She had died due to multiple gunshot wounds.

While Brandy’s murder has still not been solved, Kayla believes that someone in Milton knows what happened. Brandy’s family understands that coming forward can be frightening, but they plead with the public to share any information that could help them find out what happened to her.

All of Brandy’s children were motivated to not have her death be in vain. Although Brandy did not complete high school, her children are doing well in school with aspirations of going to college.

Brandy’s loved ones are pleading with the public to come forward with any information.

The family expressed, “Think of Brandy as if she was your family member.”

A tragic event like this is life-changing for a family and friends.  Kayla White is advocating for the public to come forward with even the slightest bit of information.

“No family should have to live not knowing who or what happened to their loved one,” said Kayla White.  “No matter who she was, or what she did, she did not deserve this,” said Kayla White.

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Anyone with information concerning Brandy Maples’ unsolved homicide is asked to call the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 983-1100. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for an enhanced reward, call Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-7867.

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