The Tragic Murder of Trisha Todd: Florida Mom Dissolved in Acid | True Crime Case
The disappearance of Trisha Todd on April 27, 2016, sent shockwaves through her Florida community.The devoted mother and registered nurse failed to pick up her daughter Faith from the babysitter that morning, missing work and leaving her phone and purse behind in her car. This was entirely out of character for Trisha, who was known for her reliability and dedication to her daughter. Her unexpected absence immediately triggered concern among family members who, upon finding her home empty with groceries still on the counter, contacted authorities to report her missing.
Before her disappearance, Trisha had built a life focused on service and family. After serving in the US Air Force, including deployments to Kuwait and Iraq, she settled in Hob Sound, Florida, following her divorce from Steven Williams, her longtime friend and Faith's father. She had recently completed nursing school and was working at Treasure Coast Hospice, embracing her passion for helping others. The night before she vanished, Trisha had gone for a walk and was last seen shopping for groceries, with surveillance footage confirming she had completed her purchases but providing no clues about what happened afterward.
Key Takeaways
Trisha Todd disappeared mysteriously on April 27, 2016, after failing to pick up her daughter, leaving behind personal belongings in her oddly parked car.
Following military service and divorce, Trisha had established a new life as a nurse in Florida where she was raising her daughter Faith.
The investigation revealed unexpected complexities, including her ex-husband Steven Williams bringing their daughter to the babysitter rather than Trisha.
The Disappearance of Trisha Todd
Trisha Todd, a registered nurse and devoted mother, vanished mysteriously on April 27, 2016. When she failed to pick up her daughter Faith from the babysitter that morning, alarm bells immediately rang among family and friends. A reliable and punctual person, especially when it came to her daughter, Trisha's absence was completely out of character.
Her colleagues at Treasure Coast Hospice grew concerned when she didn't arrive for her shift. Multiple phone calls to Trisha went unanswered. Her brother John Todd quickly filed a missing person report with the Martin County Sheriff's Office as fears mounted.
When family members rushed to Trisha's Hob Sound, Florida home, they encountered a puzzling scene. The lights remained on and recently purchased groceries sat neatly arranged on the counter, suggesting she had returned home from shopping. However, Trisha was nowhere to be found.
A neighbor made a disturbing discovery—Trisha's car parked across the street in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to conceal it. Inside the vehicle, investigators found her purse and keys, items she wouldn't normally leave behind. This unusual circumstance strongly suggested Trisha hadn't left willingly.
Law enforcement launched an extensive search operation. Community volunteers joined police in combing through dense woods, swamps, and surrounding areas. Despite using helicopters, drones, and search dogs, no trace of Trisha emerged.
Investigators meticulously examined surveillance footage from locations Trisha had visited. Cameras captured her shopping alone at a grocery store on the evening of April 26th, confirming she had indeed returned home with the items later found in her kitchen. This was the last confirmed sighting of Trisha.
During the investigation, two potential leads emerged:
Brent Vernon - A local ventriloquist and musician with whom Trisha had reportedly become infatuated
Douglas Purchas - An older preacher who had met Trisha during her evening beach walks
Both individuals were thoroughly investigated but eventually cleared of involvement in her disappearance.
A critical development came when investigators learned that Faith had been with her father, Steven Williams, Trisha's ex-husband. Williams had traveled from his military base in North Carolina to spend time with their daughter, renting an Airbnb for his stay. This revelation raised new questions about the circumstances surrounding Trisha's disappearance.
Early Life and Background of Trisha Todd
Trisha Todd was born on February 19, 1986, in Stewart, Martin County, Florida. She grew up in a loving household as the daughter of David and Rebecca Todd. Her childhood was marked by strong family bonds, particularly with her brothers, and she enjoyed being part of their close-knit community.
After completing high school, Trisha made the decision to join the United States Air Force, demonstrating her patriotic spirit and desire to serve. This career choice aligned with that of her longtime friend Steven Williams, whom she had known since childhood. Their friendship evolved into romance, and they eventually married and welcomed a daughter named Faith.
The marriage lasted 11 years before ending in divorce. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Trisha and Steven maintained an amicable relationship for their daughter's benefit. Following the separation, Trisha left her military career and relocated to Hob Sound, Florida, with Faith.
Trisha's compassionate nature led her to pursue a career in healthcare. She earned her credentials as a registered nurse and began working at Treasure Coast Hospice. Her faith played a significant role in her life, as she was a devoted Christian who often sought spiritual connection through prayer walks.
On April 26, 2016, Trisha went for one of her typical evening walks. The following morning, she failed to pick up her daughter from the babysitter or show up for her shift at work—behaviors completely out of character for the reliable and devoted mother. This unexplained absence marked the beginning of a troubling mystery that would deeply concern her family, friends, and community.
Military Service and Marriage to Steven Williams
Trisha's patriotic commitment led her to join the United States Air Force after completing high school. This career choice aligned her path with Steven Williams, a childhood friend with whom she had maintained a close relationship for many years. Their connection deepened when Steven also enlisted in the Air Force, creating a shared experience that strengthened their bond.
Their relationship persevered through challenging circumstances, including Trisha's deployments to Kuwait and Iraq. The distance did not weaken their connection, and their friendship eventually blossomed into romance. Their relationship culminated in marriage, seemingly fulfilling a storybook romance between longtime friends who found love while serving their country.
The couple welcomed a daughter named Faith, completing their family. Unfortunately, their marriage faced increasing difficulties over time. After eleven years together, Trisha and Steven decided to end their marriage, finalizing their divorce.
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, both parents prioritized their daughter's wellbeing. They worked to maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship for Faith's benefit. This cooperative approach allowed them to continue functioning effectively as parents even after their marriage dissolved.
Following the divorce, Trisha made significant life changes. She left the Air Force and relocated to Hob Sound, Florida with Faith. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, where she would pursue fresh professional goals while raising her daughter.
Divorce and a New Beginning
After eleven years of marriage, Trisha and Steven Williams' relationship began to unravel. Despite their long history together—from childhood friendship through Air Force service and deployments to Kuwait and Iraq—they ultimately decided to end their marriage.
The couple worked diligently to maintain an amicable relationship after their divorce, primarily for the well-being of their daughter Faith. This commitment to co-parenting remained a priority for both of them even as they pursued separate lives.
Following the divorce, Trisha made significant changes in her life. She decided to leave the Air Force, seeking a fresh start away from military life. She relocated with Faith to Hobe Sound, Florida, establishing a new home for herself and her daughter.
Trisha's faith remained central to her identity during this transition period. A devoted Christian, she found strength in her religious beliefs as she navigated this new chapter of her life.
With compassion at the core of her character, Trisha channeled her nurturing instincts into a new career path. She pursued higher education to become a registered nurse, successfully earning her degree. This achievement allowed her to secure a position at Treasure Coast Hospice, where she could fulfill her desire to help others during their most vulnerable moments.
The move to Florida and her new nursing career represented more than just practical changes—they symbolized Trisha's resilience and determination to build a meaningful life for herself and Faith after divorce.
Foreboding Discoveries
The investigation into Trisha Todd's disappearance took a disturbing turn when the polygraph results came in. Investigators were stunned by what they found. The implications were severe, leading one detective to remark that they had "made a deal with the devil" without realizing the consequences.
When Trisha failed to pick up her daughter Faith from the babysitter on April 27, 2016, it created immediate concern. Her absence was completely out of character for the devoted mother who was known for her reliability and punctuality. Her workplace colleagues, alarmed by her failure to appear for her shift, attempted to contact her without success.
The discovery of Trisha's car raised suspicions early in the investigation. A neighbor spotted the vehicle parked in an unusual location across the street, positioned as if someone was deliberately concealing it. Inside, investigators found her purse and keys—items a person wouldn't typically leave behind voluntarily.
Trisha's home presented an eerily normal scene. The lights were on and recently purchased groceries were arranged neatly on the counter, suggesting she had returned from shopping before vanishing. This contradicted any theory that she had planned to leave, as her personal belongings remained in place.
The investigation explored several potential leads:
Trisha's apparent fascination with Brent Vernon, a local ventriloquist and musician
Her connection with Douglas Purchas, an older preacher she met during beach walks
Her relationship with ex-husband Steven Williams, father of her daughter Faith
Purchas initially drew investigators' attention due to his interactions with Trisha near the time of her disappearance. When questioned about his relationship with her, he admitted finding her attractive. Though he initially agreed to a polygraph test, he later refused, citing religious concerns. Despite thorough searches of his property and vehicle, no incriminating evidence emerged, and security footage eventually confirmed his alibi.
A critical revelation came when investigators interviewed the babysitter. Contrary to initial assumptions, it wasn't Trisha who had dropped Faith off—it was Steven Williams, her ex-husband. This unexpected detail shifted the focus of the investigation toward him.
Steven had traveled from his military base in North Carolina, ostensibly to spend time with his daughter. He had rented an Airbnb nearby and had been seen around town with Faith in the days before Trisha vanished. While he appeared to have a plausible explanation for his presence, this new information raised serious questions about his potential involvement in Trisha's disappearance.
Volunteer Search Efforts and Investigation Tactics
The disappearance of Trisha Todd on April 27, 2016 sparked an immediate and extensive search operation. When she failed to pick up her daughter Faith from the babysitter, her family quickly reported her missing to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. The community response was swift and substantial.
Volunteers from across Martin County joined law enforcement in searching the surrounding area. Teams systematically combed through dense woodland areas and swamps, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to locate Trisha.
The search operation employed multiple resources:
Helicopter aerial surveillance
Drone technology for remote area coverage
K-9 units to track potential scents
Ground teams searching on foot
Investigators secured Trisha's home as a potential crime scene, meticulously examining it for evidence. Curiously, they found the house in perfect order with recently purchased groceries still on the counter, suggesting she had returned home after shopping. Her car was discovered parked across the street in what appeared to be a deliberately hidden location, containing both her purse and keys.
Law enforcement immediately issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert for Trisha. The first 48 hours of the investigation were treated as critical, with officers working tirelessly to gather evidence and pursue leads before the trail went cold.
Surveillance footage became a key investigative tool. Cameras captured Trisha shopping alone at a grocery store on the evening of April 26th, confirming she had purchased the items later found in her home. This was the last confirmed sighting of her before her disappearance.
Detectives meticulously analyzed traffic camera footage along routes Trisha might have taken. They reviewed recordings frame by frame, searching for any unusual activity or potential suspects, but found no trace of her after she left the store.
The investigation expanded to examine Trisha's social circles and relationships. One early lead involved her apparent infatuation with a local ventriloquist named Brent Vernon. Friends reported she frequently attended his performances and followed him on social media. However, after thorough investigation, detectives determined he had no connection to her disappearance.
Another person of interest emerged: Douglas Purchas, a local preacher who had met Trisha during her late-night beach walks. Though their conversations reportedly centered on faith and spirituality, investigators noted concerning elements in his demeanor during questioning.
When asked about taking a polygraph test, Purchas initially agreed but later refused, citing religious reasons. Despite this, a thorough search of his home and vehicle revealed nothing suspicious, and security footage confirmed his alibi that he was at the beach but not with Trisha.
A significant breakthrough came when investigators learned it wasn't Trisha who had dropped Faith at the babysitter's house. Under questioning, the babysitter revealed it was Steven Williams, Trisha's ex-husband and Faith's father, who had brought the child there.
Steven had traveled from his military base in North Carolina to spend time with Faith. He had rented an Airbnb for his stay and had been seen around town with his daughter in the days before Trisha's disappearance, providing him with what initially appeared to be a credible alibi.
Analyzing Surveillance Footage
The investigation into Trisha Todd's disappearance took a methodical turn when detectives began examining available surveillance materials. Security camera footage from local businesses provided crucial timeline evidence. Recordings showed Trisha shopping alone at a grocery store on the evening of April 26th, 2016. The items she purchased matched those later found arranged on her kitchen counter, confirming she had returned home safely after this errand.
Investigators meticulously reviewed the footage frame by frame, searching for unusual activities or potential persons of interest. They expanded their search to include traffic cameras along routes Trisha might have traveled, hoping to trace her movements after leaving the store. Despite thorough analysis, no further sightings of Trisha appeared in any surveillance materials.
The security recordings from nearby beaches were also scrutinized, particularly regarding the local preacher Douglas Purchas. These beach cameras proved valuable in verifying Purchas's alibi—footage confirmed his presence at the beach on the night in question, but importantly, showed he was not with Trisha. This video evidence helped investigators eliminate him as a suspect despite initial concerns about his interactions with her.
Additional surveillance efforts extended to locations near Trisha's home, particularly regarding the mysterious parking of her vehicle. The car's positioning across the street in what appeared to be a deliberate hiding spot raised significant questions. Who had moved it there? Why was it parked in this unusual manner? These questions became central focus points as detectives continued piecing together the timeline of events.
Cameras near the babysitter's residence potentially held answers about who had dropped off Faith. This footage became increasingly relevant after investigators discovered it wasn't Trisha who had brought her daughter to the babysitter that evening—a critical revelation that shifted the investigation's direction.
The Ventriloquist Misdirection
Investigators exploring Trisha Todd's disappearance faced numerous potential leads. One intriguing angle involved Trisha's apparent fascination with Brent Vernon, a local ventriloquist and musician. Friends revealed that Trisha had developed what they described as an obsession with Vernon.
Her interest manifested in frequent attendance at his performances and active monitoring of his social media profiles. According to one friend, Trisha had even formulated an elaborate plan to declare her romantic feelings for Vernon. While seemingly tangential, detectives couldn't ignore this information during the critical early investigation phase.
The ventriloquist lead represented one of several social connections detectives explored while searching for the missing mother. Investigators thoroughly examined Trisha's relationships, including friendships and potential romantic entanglements that might provide context for her sudden disappearance.
Despite initial attention on this lead, detectives conducted a comprehensive investigation into Vernon's possible connection to the case. After careful examination, they concluded that the ventriloquist had no involvement in Trisha's disappearance. This path, while compelling, ultimately proved to be a misdirection in the complex investigation.
The focus subsequently shifted to other persons of interest, including a local preacher named Douglas Purchas who had interacted with Trisha during her beach walks. The investigation continued to evolve as detectives searched for answers in the disappearance that had left a community deeply concerned about the missing mother.
Investigating Douglas Purchas
As the search for Trisha Todd intensified, authorities focused on a local preacher named Douglas Purchas. The elderly man had encountered Trisha during her evening beach walks, where she often went to pray and find peace. Purchas stated he felt spiritually compelled to approach Trisha, and they frequently discussed matters of faith.
Despite Purchas's assertions of innocence, investigators couldn't ignore his interactions with Trisha so close to her disappearance. His demeanor during questioning raised concerns among detectives. When directly asked about his attraction to Trisha, Purchas hesitated before admitting she was "very attractive" and that "maybe" he found her appealing.
The investigation took a turn when Purchas initially agreed to undergo a polygraph test but later refused, citing religious objections. This prompted detectives to execute search warrants on his residence and vehicle. Despite thorough examinations, no incriminating evidence connecting him to Trisha's disappearance was discovered.
Security footage from the beach on the night Trisha went missing ultimately supported Purchas's alibi. The video confirmed he had been at the beach as claimed, but not in Trisha's company. With no evidence linking him to the disappearance, investigators eventually cleared Purchas as a person of interest in the case.
The Babysitter's Revelation and Steven Williams's Involvement
The investigation took a dramatic turn when detectives interviewed the babysitter caring for Faith, Trisha's daughter. Initially, authorities assumed Trisha had dropped Faith off before disappearing. This assumption proved incorrect.
Under police questioning, the babysitter revealed a crucial detail. It wasn't Trisha who had brought Faith to her home—it was Steven Williams, Trisha's ex-husband and Faith's father. This revelation immediately shifted the focus of the investigation.
Steven Williams had traveled from his military base in North Carolina to Florida, ostensibly to spend time with his daughter. He had rented an Airbnb in the area and had been seen around town with Faith in the days before Trisha's disappearance. The timing of his visit now appeared suspicious rather than coincidental.
When Trisha failed to pick up Faith as scheduled on the morning of April 27, 2016, the babysitter called Trisha's family. The call triggered immediate concern, as Trisha was known for her reliability, especially when it came to her daughter. Her failure to collect Faith or contact the babysitter was completely out of character.
The polygraph results ultimately provided shocking evidence that investigators couldn't ignore. "We couldn't believe what we saw," one investigator noted. The results suggested a terrible truth about what had happened to Trisha Todd.
