The family of an Arlington woman who was killed last year during a violent carjacking remember her legacy as they remain hopeful that her killer will be found.
Last June, 83-year-old Leona Swafford was found dead after she was shot and sustained blunt force trauma during a carjacking in her own driveway.
One year after she was murdered, her daughter said the family is focused on honoring her memory.
A tree has been planted in her honor in an Arlington park.
"Last summer my brother got sick with the flu and instead of being sad for him, I started crying like a baby because mom wasn't here to make chicken and dumplings for him. Which was what she did anytime anyone was sick," said daughter Judy Mitchell.
"My grandmother was the person who came out for my 40th birthday and when I was there said, 'Hey Granny, let's get on the back of my bike,' and she did," remembered her grandson, Steven Harben.
To date, no arrests have been made as authorities continue to search for her killer.
Arlington police described the attacker as a black man in his late 20s to late 30s with a muscular build, standing 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall with short hair that is possibly a half-inch Afro. He was last reported as having little to no facial hair.
Swafford's son-in-law, who is an Arlington police officer, was very close to her, too.
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"When I am on patrol, I go by everyday and check on that house. I don't know why I do. Sometimes I catch myself off-duty driving to the house thinking I am going to visit mom," said Roy Mitchell.
Arlington police said they are hoping someone will come forward with information and said they will look at any tip.
There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of a suspect.
Police plan to patrol the Arlington neighborhood Saturday morning, leaving door hangers with information about the case.
"To whomever did this to my mother, or whomever knows something, speak up. Could have been your mom," said son Larry Carson.
