The Disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos
Florida Men Linked by Same Deputy
Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos disappeared three months apart in Naples, Florida, after each was last seen in the custody of the same Collier County sheriff’s deputy, Steve Calkins. Both men—Williams, a Black man, and Santos, a Latino man—vanished without a trace following their encounters with law enforcement in 2003 and 2004, raising serious questions about police conduct and accountability.
Despite extensive investigations, neither man has been found, and no one has been charged in connection with their disappearances. The cases remain open and unsolved, leaving families searching for answers and fueling public debate about how missing person cases are handled when law enforcement is involved.
Backgrounds of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos
Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos disappeared under similar circumstances in Collier County, Florida. Both men came from different backgrounds but shared vulnerabilities related to their social and economic positions at the time they went missing.
Life of Terrance Williams
Terrance Williams was a Black man living in Naples, Florida. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and moved to Florida as an adult seeking better opportunities. Williams worked various jobs, including as a dishwasher and laborer, to support himself and his family.
He was the father of four children. According to reports, Williams struggled financially and faced challenges, including legal trouble over unpaid child support. His mother, Marcia Williams, remained closely involved in his life and actively participated in efforts after his disappearance.
Williams did not own a valid driver's license at the time he vanished, a detail that contributed to his vulnerability in interactions with law enforcement. Friends and family described him as sociable and hardworking.
Felipe Santos: An Immigrant from Mexico
Felipe Santos was a 23-year-old immigrant from Mexico living in Immokalee, Florida. He worked in the construction industry and supported family both locally and back home.
Santos was in the United States without legal status, making him an illegal immigrant. Despite this, he maintained steady employment and was known as responsible and reliable by his co-workers and family members.
On the day of his disappearance, Santos was on his way to work with his brothers but was involved in a minor car accident. Interactions with police were complicated by his immigration status, which was a cause of concern for his family and may have affected the investigation into his disappearance.
Santos was married and sent financial support to relatives in Mexico. His disappearance left his family in financial and emotional distress.
Timeline of Events
Felipe Santos and Terrance Williams vanished in North Naples, Florida, three months apart. In both cases, the men were last seen in the presence of the same Collier County deputy and have never been seen again.
Felipe Santos' Disappearance
Felipe Santos, a 23-year-old man, disappeared on October 1, 2003, in North Naples. Earlier that morning, he was involved in a minor traffic crash on his way to work. After deputies arrived, one officer—later identified as Deputy Steven Calkins—arrested Santos for driving without a license and without insurance.
Santos was reportedly put into the deputy’s patrol car. Witness statements and Circle K surveillance confirmed this. However, he never arrived at Collier County jail as documented in official records.
When Santos’ family inquired, jail and law enforcement officials said there was no record of his booking. He was listed as a missing person, and despite searches and investigations, Felipe Santos has not been found.
Terrance Williams' Disappearance
Terrance Williams, a 27-year-old from Naples, vanished on January 12, 2004. Williams was last seen after a minor traffic incident involving his vehicle near a Naples cemetery. Deputy Steven Calkins again responded to the scene.
Witnesses, including cemetery employees, observed Williams being placed in Calkins’ patrol car. Calkins later claimed he dropped Williams at a Circle K store, but no evidence—including surveillance footage—supported this account.
Williams was never booked into jail and has been missing ever since. Both disappearances shared strikingly similar circumstances, prompting concerns throughout Collier County and among the families of the missing men.
Deputy Steve Calkins and Law Enforcement Involvement
The disappearances of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos are closely linked to then-Collier County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Calkins. Law enforcement actions and investigations following these incidents have been the subject of intense scrutiny.
Role of Steve Calkins
Steve Calkins was a long-serving deputy in the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). He was the last known person to see both Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos before their disappearances in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Both men were reportedly last seen entering Calkins’ patrol car at different locations and times. In each case, Calkins later filed police reports stating he dropped the men off at different places, but no independent witnesses were able to confirm his claims.
The tow records and witness statements sometimes conflicted with his reports. For instance, a tow report bore Calkins’ signature, and cemetery staff stated they saw him with Williams, raising questions about the deputy’s account. Despite internal and external investigations, Calkins was not charged with a crime but was eventually dismissed from the sheriff’s office.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office Actions
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) began investigating both disappearances after they were reported. The involvement of a CCSO deputy prompted additional scrutiny, and the office requested help from external agencies, including the FBI.
Internal inquiries reviewed Calkins’ actions, examining patrol logs, tow reports, and witness statements. The CCSO also interviewed local residents and examined the deputy’s previous conduct. Calkins was placed on administrative leave during the investigation and was ultimately fired for procedural violations unrelated to criminal prosecution.
These investigations did not lead to criminal charges. Both Williams and Santos remain missing, and the CCSO lists the cases as open and endangered. Law enforcement continues to seek information from the public.
Investigation and Key Evidence
Investigators focused on the last known interactions between Terrance Williams, Felipe Santos, and Deputy Steve Calkins. The inquiry revealed inconsistencies in statements, gaps in evidence, and public pressure to clarify what happened after both men entered Calkins’ patrol car.
Initial Police Reports
Both missing persons cases began with basic reports documenting the last sightings of Williams and Santos. Official records state that each man was last seen during a traffic stop conducted by Deputy Steve Calkins in Naples, Florida.
Calkins initially reported that he gave each man a ride to a Circle K convenience store, dropping them off before leaving. The vehicles belonging to Williams and Santos were found abandoned and later towed from their respective locations.
The incident reports included details from dispatch logs and written statements from Calkins. Key information—such as the lack of surveillance footage or independent witnesses at the supposed drop-off sites—was noted early on.
Evidence and Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses, including coworkers and passersby, confirmed seeing both men alive before their encounters with law enforcement. Some witnesses claimed to have seen Williams’ and Santos’ vehicles being stopped or interacted with by Calkins, but none reported seeing them after the supposed drop-offs.
Notably, neither Circle K employees nor customers recalled seeing Williams or Santos on the days in question. No receipts, surveillance video, or other direct evidence placed either man at the convenience stores where Calkins said he dropped them off.
A lack of physical evidence—such as phone records or personal effects—further hampered the investigation. Public records and depositions reflected conflicting statements from the deputy and other individuals involved, raising concerns about the integrity of the initial investigation.
Polygraph Test Results
Deputy Steve Calkins agreed to participate in polygraph examinations as part of the inquiry. According to law enforcement sources and public records, results from the polygraph tests were labeled as "inconclusive."
The polygraph results did not clearly indicate deception or truthfulness in Calkins’ responses about the men’s disappearances. This outcome left investigators and the families without definitive answers.
Despite calls for further testing and independent review, no additional polygraphs or definitive scientific evidence linked Calkins directly to the disappearances at the time the cases were actively investigated.
Community Response and Public Outcry
Public reaction to the disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos has been persistent and multifaceted. Families, civil rights advocates, and local residents have taken visible action, demanding justice and answers amid ongoing frustration with the investigation.
Family Members' Efforts for Justice
Terrance Williams' mother, Marcia Williams, has been a leading voice for her son since he vanished in 2004. She has organized searches, attended law enforcement meetings, and kept public interest alive through media interviews. Marcia has repeatedly called for more transparency and accountability from the Collier County Sheriff's Office.
Both families have worked together, utilizing social media and community meetings to share updates and encourage tips. They have traveled for interviews and collaborated with advocacy groups to maintain pressure on local authorities. Their commitment has helped prevent the cases from fading from public memory.
Involvement of Civil Rights Advocates
Prominent civil rights figures, including Reverend Al Sharpton and attorney Benjamin Crump, have joined efforts to highlight the similarities in both disappearances. Benjamin Crump, known for involvement in high-profile cases of racial injustice, has provided legal guidance and public statements supporting the families.
These advocates point to racial dynamics, given both men were minorities last seen with the same deputy, Steven Calkins, and push for federal attention. Their participation has elevated the visibility of the case nationally, framing it as both a quest for local justice and an example of broader civil rights concerns.
Reward and Press Conferences
A $100,000 reward was offered for information leading to answers in the Williams and Santos cases. This significant amount was collected with help from local supporters, national organizations, and civil rights leaders. The reward aims to incentivize those who might know about the men's disappearances to step forward.
The families and advocates have held frequent press conferences, often attended by local and national media outlets. These events are strategically used to provide updates, announce new efforts, and call for further investigation. Media presence at these conferences has helped keep pressure on authorities to act.
Community Impact in Collier County
The disappearances have caused lasting concern and mistrust among residents in Collier County, particularly within Latino and Black communities. Many locals express frustration over the lack of charges and believe the cases reflect systemic problems within law enforcement.
Community organizations have hosted forums and candlelight vigils in honor of Williams and Santos. According to residents, these events serve as both support for the families and reminders of the ongoing need for justice. The local impact includes heightened advocacy for civil rights protections and more oversight of policing practices.
Legal Actions and Lawsuits
Legal efforts have played a significant role in the pursuit of accountability after Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos disappeared. Families pursued both civil lawsuits and advocacy while legal representatives sought answers from law enforcement and public officials.
Filing and Status of Lawsuits
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed in 2018 by Marcia Williams, the mother of Terrance Williams, on behalf of his estate and children. The suit specifically named Steven Calkins, the former Collier County Sheriff’s deputy last seen with the missing men, as the defendant.
The suit aimed to secure damages, raise public awareness, and obtain information through depositions and court proceedings. Despite years of court hearings, Calkins ultimately prevailed in the case and was not found liable. No criminal charges have been filed against Calkins to date.
Additional legal avenues have been pursued by families seeking justice and recognition for both Williams and Santos. The legal process has involved numerous motions, evidence reviews, and testimonies from law enforcement and witnesses.
Role of Legal Representatives
Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump played a key role by representing the Williams family. His legal team coordinated depositions, managed media interest, and highlighted civil rights aspects of the case.
Legal representatives have focused on alleged misconduct and procedural violations by law enforcement. They have worked to compel testimony from witnesses, deputies, and supervisors. Crump’s involvement also helped bring national attention to the case by organizing press conferences and engaging with advocacy groups.
The attorneys have advocated for transparency, calling for independent investigations and policy changes. Their work extends beyond the courtroom, emphasizing community engagement and systemic reform.
Media Coverage and Cultural Impact
The disappearances of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos have drawn national attention, highlighted by media figures and documentary storytelling. Their cases have sparked advocacy, investigative journalism, and widespread discussion in true crime media.
Tyler Perry’s Advocacy
Tyler Perry has used his public profile to amplify the search for justice in the disappearances of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos. He has provided financial support, including offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to answers in the case, and has attended press conferences with the families.
Perry’s advocacy has kept the case in the public eye, especially during periods when official investigations appeared stalled. His efforts have also raised awareness about missing persons of color and systemic challenges in such investigations.
He has worked with organizations and legal teams to seek accountability. Perry’s involvement is a significant example of how celebrity advocacy can influence ongoing cases and support families seeking answers.
The Last Ride Documentary
The Last Ride is a documentary series specifically investigating the disappearances of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos. The filmmakers use a combination of interviews, archival footage, and on-the-ground reporting to examine the cases and explore the circumstances involving Deputy Steven Calkins.
The documentary provides detailed timelines with witness accounts, interviews with family members, and commentary from experts. It offers a comprehensive look into law enforcement practices, the community’s response, and the unresolved status of the investigation.
The series is available on streaming platforms and has been credited with renewing public interest. The Last Ride also highlights the broader issues of accountability within law enforcement regarding missing persons from marginalized groups.
True Crime Podcast Discussions
Several true crime podcasts have covered the Williams and Santos disappearances, analyzing the evidence and exploring investigative gaps. NPR’s “Two missing men, one deputy, zero charged” is a notable example, offering in-depth reporting and interviews.
Podcasts typically focus on the sequence of events, the history of Deputy Steven Calkins, and the response from Collier County authorities. These discussions break down complex details for listeners and introduce the cases to new audiences who may not follow traditional news.
Some episodes include commentary from family members, journalists, and legal experts. This true crime coverage continues to generate tips and keep the cases relevant in ongoing public discourse.
Ongoing Theories and Unanswered Questions
Felipe Santos and Terrance Williams both disappeared in Collier County, Florida, after separate encounters with Deputy Steven Calkins. Although the men vanished within months of each other, their cases have produced few answers and attracted high scrutiny of both theories and authorities.
Speculation About the Disappearances
Many suspect foul play due to the similarities in both cases: both men of color, both last seen with the same deputy, and both never seen again. Families of Santos and Williams have questioned whether murder could be involved, given the circumstances and lack of evidence that either left willingly.
Some theories suggest the men may have left to evade legal trouble. However, close family members and advocates counter this, stating there is no evidence they planned to disappear. The idea that two unrelated men would accidentally vanish following detention by the same CCSO deputy raises further doubts.
The fact that neither man's possessions, money, nor documentation were ever recovered adds to skepticism about voluntary departure. Theories focus on Deputy Calkins’ possible involvement, with suspicion heightened by inconsistencies in his accounts and lack of charges filed.
Analysis of Law Enforcement Procedures
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) faced criticism for its initial response to both disappearances, including delays in opening investigations and gaps in record-keeping. For example, Deputy Calkins failed to file arrest reports for either man and later was found to have given conflicting statements about the events.
Investigations by local law enforcement did not result in murder charges or disciplinary action until growing public attention forced administrative review. CCSO initiated an internal investigation, but some community members argue that the agency protected its own rather than pursuing all leads thoroughly.
Key procedural concerns include missing dashcam footage, incomplete documentation, and the decision not to hold Deputy Calkins accountable beyond termination. These issues have led to broader discussion about transparency, accountability, and the handling of missing person cases involving law enforcement.
Legacy and Continued Efforts for Justice
The disappearances of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos remain unsolved, fueling ongoing discussions about police accountability and racial disparities in Florida. Their cases prompted both local activism and national attention, influencing broader debates about civil rights and law enforcement practices.
The Importance of the Case in Civil Rights History
The cases of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos are often referenced in discussions on racial justice and law enforcement accountability in the United States. Both men, one Black and one Latino, vanished in separate incidents after encounters with the same Collier County Sheriff's deputy, Steven Calkins. Neither man has been found.
Civil rights advocates point to these disappearances as evidence of systemic disparities faced by minorities in the justice system. The fact that Calkins was not criminally charged has drawn scrutiny from national organizations, including the NAACP and advocacy groups for Latino rights.
Efforts by the families, community leaders, and supporters have led to increased pressure for independent investigations. Documentaries, news specials, and public demonstrations have helped keep the cases in the public eye, reinforcing calls for reform and justice. The legacy of these events continues to inform training and policy discussions in policing.
Lasting Impact on Naples and North Naples
Williams’ and Santos’ disappearances deeply affected Naples and North Naples communities. Residents organized vigils, marches, and meetings in response to the perceived failure of the local justice system to deliver answers or accountability.
Local officials faced intense criticism for their handling of the investigations. Many in the community lost trust in the sheriff’s office, leading to demands for external review and the firing of Deputy Calkins.
A timeline of major events and public responses was regularly covered by local media outlets, further entrenching the case in local consciousness. The events also sparked initiatives aimed at increasing police oversight and citizen engagement in North Naples, shaping dialogue between law enforcement and residents for years.
