A Blur of the Badge — The Cases of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos
Police’s only suspect was one of their own
Signaling their presence, red and blue headlights of police vehicles arrive at the scene of crimes, the occupational purposes of those inside to protect and serve the public. But for two men who disappeared in similar circumstances three months apart, they were last seen by the same officer, placed at the same convenience store, and were apprehended for the same charges.
Bound by coincidence, Felipe Santos, 23, and Terrance Williams, 27, vanished shortly after interacting with Corporal Steven “Steve” Calkins. The victims were from different parts of Collier County, Florida, an area that comprises both the city of Naples and the census-designated location of Immokalee. Located close by is the Florida Everglades, a sprawling wetland with alligators and other dangerous wildlife roaming about.
Santos was an undocumented immigrant mainly working jobs in construction and farming. Leaving behind a young daughter and wife, he went missing on Oct. 14, 2003. Calkins arrived at a minor car accident in which Santos was driving and took him into custody for driving without a license or insurance. In the vehicle with him were three other Hispanic males including his brothers, but since Santos drove, he bore the brunt…
