UPDATE: Husband ruled out as suspect in murder of Manatee woman

Update: In a news conference Thursday morning, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office says it has ruled out the husband of Kathleen Briles as a suspect in her murder.

Sheriff Brad Steube says Briles was bound and that things were taken from their home. There was no sign of forced entry.

Briles was killed by blunt force trauma, and investigators say they have the murder weapon in their possession. Investigators are also looking at surveillance video.

Sheriff Steube is warning people of Terra Ceia to be vigilant and to lock their homes and cars. More police patrols will be in the area.

Original Story: Terra Ceia, Florida - The investigation into the murder of a prominent Manatee County doctor's wife continues.

Investigators gathered more evidence Wednesday morning from the home of 48-year-old Kathleen Briles.

Detectives have not named any suspects in Briles' murder, but they say she suffered a violent death. A spokesperson with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office says detectives are following many leads, talking to many people and gathering lots of evidence.

The Sheriff will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday to update the media and public on the case.

Briles' husband, Dr. James Briles, found her body in their Terra Ceia home around 8 o'clock Monday night, after returning from work.

Those who know Briles are wondering, why her? Three months ago, Briles joined the Toastmasters Club of Bradenton; it's a club that helps people overcome their fear of public speaking.

"This totally shocked me. When I found out about it yesterday, I was floored," says Bart Huitema, club president. He adds, "Kathleen is such a humble and nice person. Why would anyone want to do something like that?"

Huitema says the murder comes as a shock but he's not surprised, because his neighborhood isn't as safe as it used to be.

"There have been all sorts of criminal activity on the rise here, some because of the economy. We've had lots of break-ins and that type of thing. I hate to say that, but those are just the facts. It's been getting worse," says Huitema.

Briles is originally from Kentucky. She has three adult children.