In the quiet coastal town of Jensen Beach, Florida, a vibrant community known for its tight-knit bonds and serene charm, a devastating tragedy unfolded in the early hours of a Sunday morning in August 2025. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to a chilling 911 call at approximately 2:30 a.m., leading them to a small storage facility on the 3000 block of NE Candice Avenue. Inside Tonya Sidebottom Custom Sewing, a beloved local business, deputies discovered the lifeless body of 55-year-old Tonya Sidebottom, a woman whose warmth and creativity had touched countless lives. The suspect, identified as her fiancé, 43-year-old Javier Saenz, now stands accused of her murder, leaving a community in shock and mourning.

Tonya Sidebottom was more than a skilled seamstress; she was a cornerstone of Jensen Beach, known for her meticulous craftsmanship and generous spirit. Her custom sewing business, nestled within the unassuming storage facility, was a haven where she brought clients’ visions to life with needle and thread. Friends and neighbors described her as a woman of boundless kindness, always ready with a smile or a helping hand, whether for a neighbor’s quick alteration or a community event. Her sudden and violent death has sent waves of grief through Jensen Beach, with tributes pouring in from those who cherished her presence.

The MCSO’s investigation began swiftly after Saenz himself placed the 911 call, requesting medical assistance moments after the shooting. Deputies arrived to a grim scene, confirming that Tonya had succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound. Saenz was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Martin County Jail, where he faces charges of second-degree murder with a firearm. While authorities have not disclosed a definitive motive, preliminary reports suggest the incident may be linked to domestic violence, a scourge that continues to plague communities nationwide. The MCSO has remained tight-lipped about additional details, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and thorough to ensure justice for Tonya.

As news of the tragedy spread, Jensen Beach residents gathered in somber solidarity, grappling with the loss of a woman who embodied the community’s spirit. Local business owners and customers of Tonya’s sewing shop shared stories of her dedication, recalling how she poured her heart into every stitch, from custom draperies to cherished heirloom repairs. “She had this way of making you feel like your project was the most important thing in the world,” one longtime client said, her voice trembling with emotion. “This doesn’t feel real.”

The MCSO has urged anyone with information about the incident or suspicious activity in the area to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the events leading to Tonya’s death. Detectives are meticulously combing through evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, to build a comprehensive timeline. Authorities have also taken the opportunity to highlight the critical need for awareness around domestic violence, pointing to resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and local organizations such as SafeSpace, which offer support to those in crisis.

This heartbreaking incident has cast a spotlight on the often-hidden epidemic of intimate partner violence, prompting community leaders to call for renewed efforts in education and prevention. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor Tonya’s memory, with residents determined to keep her legacy of kindness alive. “We lost someone who made Jensen Beach better just by being here,” said a local organizer. “We owe it to her to come together and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

As the investigation continues, the Martin County community holds its collective breath, mourning a profound loss while seeking answers. Tonya Sidebottom’s family, friends, and neighbors are left to navigate an unimaginable void, their grief tempered only by the hope that justice will prevail. In the face of such tragedy, Jensen Beach stands united, vowing to honor Tonya’s memory with love, compassion, and a commitment to building a safer future for all.