Two families in Naples, Florida, are clinging to hope for answers nearly two decades after their loved ones vanished under eerily similar circumstances. Felipe Santos, a Latino man, and Terrance Williams, a Black man, disappeared three months apart in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Both men were last seen alive entering the patrol car of Deputy Steven Calkins, a Collier County Sheriff’s officer at the time.
According to Calkins’ initial report, he pulled both Santos and Williams over for driving without a license. He claimed to have released them shortly after at separate Circle K convenience stores. However, no surveillance footage or witness accounts corroborated this story.
The Williams family’s relentless pursuit of answers revealed inconsistencies in Calkins’ account. He initially denied any interaction with Terrance, then changed his story, providing conflicting details about the supposed traffic stops. Furthermore, a search of the area surrounding the alleged drop-off points yielded no leads.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office launched internal investigations, but Calkins was never charged with any wrongdoing. However, mounting public pressure and the families’ unwavering determination led to his dismissal in 2004.
Cold Case Heats Up
Despite years of dead ends, the case gained renewed national attention in 2023. Investigative reports by CNN and podcasts like “The Last Ride” brought the disappearances back into the spotlight. These reports highlighted the racial undertones of the case, raising questions about potential bias within the Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement officials have reopened the investigation, and a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Santos and Williams has been increased. However, no arrests have been made, and the disappearances remain unsolved.
Lingering Questions and Calls for Justice
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office maintains that the case remains an active investigation. However, the families and their advocates continue to push for transparency and accountability. Civil rights organizations have called for a federal investigation, citing concerns about a potential pattern of neglect.
The disappearances of Felipe Santos and Terrance Williams have left a deep scar on the Naples community. While the hope for their safe return dwindles with each passing year, their families refuse to let their stories fade into obscurity. The unanswered questions surrounding their last moments and the lack of closure continue to haunt them. The quest for justice in this chilling case remains a desperate plea for answers: Where did they go on that last ride?
