ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It's been one year since 83-year-old Elena Ortega's body was found in her burned down Orange County home. So far, no one has been charged for her murder.
Orange County sheriff's investigators said they believe she was killed and that her attacker burned down her home to cover up any evidence.
Thursday evening neighbors gathered to remember the woman and plea for an arrest.
"It seems like it was just yesterday," said neighbor DeAnna Yoder.
Ortega lived in the Turnbull Drive home alone and relied on a walker.
"She was a very nice lady," said neighbor Mary Moon.
"We're doing this in hopes that the DA, prosecutor and the detectives, that this will motivate them a little more," said Yoder.
As progress on the home moves slowly, progress in the case appears to move even slower.
"We can't understand why there hasn't been a conviction -- that's what hurts," said neighbor John Collins.
Just a few months ago, 27-year-old Juan Rosario was named a person of interest in the case. Rosario is currently serving 18 years in prison for a home invasion just down the street from Ortega.
"I know her murder was a blueprint to other invasions," said Yoder.
Moon lives by Rosario's father's home. She said just a few months ago investigators searched once again for evidence.
"They went straight to this tree, and dug about four or five times and then picked up a bag," recalled Moon.
With no one behind bars for Ortega's death, some residents said moving forward in the neighborhood hardly seems possible.
"I know anybody out here comes out (of) their house, they look here and it seems just like yesterday," said Yoder.
Investigators said they are still building a case and asking for people to come forward with information.