Todd McAfee Found Murdered in Myakka City Florida
On August 18, 1987, Todd McAfee, a 26-year-old corporate farm manager, was found brutally murdered in Myakka City, Florida.
McAfee was a well-respected and hardworking individual who lived on the 300-acre Bonita Packing Company tomato farm, where he worked as a farm manager.
His body was found miles away from his home, having been shot multiple times. The evidence suggested that he interrupted a burglary in progress, leading to his violent death.
Despite numerous leads and theories, his case remains unsolved to this day.
This article delves into the events of that fateful morning, the investigation that followed, and the lingering questions that keep this case open decades later.
A Morning Unlike Any Other
An Ominous Absence
It was routine for Todd to unlock the farm gate for his workers each morning.
On the morning of August 18, 1987, his foreman arrived as usual but quickly noticed that something was wrong—the gate was still locked, and Todd was nowhere to be seen.
The workers climbed over the gate and began working, assuming Todd was just running late.
But when he failed to show up, concern set in.
A Gruesome Discovery at Todd’s Home
The foreman decided to check Todd’s residence, a trailer located on the farm’s property.
As he approached, he noticed something unsettling:
- Todd’s pickup truck was parked in an unusual spot.
- The keys were still in the ignition.
- A bag of groceries and a rented videotape sat inside the vehicle.
- Blood was smeared inside the truck bed.
- Todd’s glasses, covered in blood, were lying nearby.
Realizing something terrible had happened, the foreman called the police.
The Discovery of Todd’s Body
A Chilling Find in a Drainage Ditch
At approximately 10:00 a.m., two of Todd’s farm workers—whose truck had overheated about two miles from the farm—were searching for water when they stumbled upon something horrifying.
They found Todd’s lifeless body in a drainage ditch, his body partially submerged in the water.
The Cause of Death
An autopsy revealed that Todd had been shot four times with .22-caliber hollow-point bullets.
Investigators noted that there was no sign of a struggle at the dump site, meaning he had likely been killed elsewhere and later moved.
One particularly gruesome detail raised even more questions:
- The ditch where Todd’s body was dumped was home to a 15-foot alligator.
- Did his killers deliberately place him there, hoping the alligator would destroy the evidence?
This raised serious concerns about the true motives behind his murder.
The Investigation: Burglary or Targeted Murder?
A Ransacked Home
Investigators searched Todd’s trailer and immediately noted signs of a break-in and robbery.
- The entire home was ransacked.
- His collection of expensive firearms was missing.
- His answering machine tape was gone.
- A VCR and camera had also been stolen.
Authorities theorized that Todd had interrupted a burglary, leading to his murder.
However, as they continued to dig deeper, the case became far more complicated.
Suspicious Vehicle Sighting: The Orange Van
Several witnesses came forward, claiming to have seen an orange van near Todd’s trailer on the evening of August 17, 1987.
A customer at a gas station in Myakka City reported seeing the same orange van, with:
- A blonde woman wearing a gold necklace with the initials RB.
- A man with a tattoo of an eagle on his left arm.
- A second male passenger.
The witness recalled that one of the men assaulted the woman, yelling “What are you trying to do? Get us in trouble?” before forcing her into the van and speeding away.
Was this the same van seen at Todd’s home? And if so, what was their connection to the murder?
A Shocking Arrest: Was Todd’s Housekeeper Involved?
The Jailhouse Confession
In 1994, an inmate named Jacob Wesley Scott claimed that fellow prisoner Ruthie Mae Anderson had confessed to planning Todd’s murder.
Scott stated that Ruthie, her husband Wilbur, and two accomplices had:
- Planned a burglary at Todd’s trailer to steal his valuable gun collection.
- Panicked when Todd arrived home early.
- Shot and killed him before dumping his body in the drainage ditch.
The Case Falls Apart
Based on this new testimony, Ruthie was arrested in Mississippi in 1994 and charged with first-degree murder.
However, the case collapsed due to:
- No physical evidence linking Ruthie to the crime.
- No murder weapon recovered.
- Scott later recanting his testimony.
With no strong evidence, Ruthie was released, and the case was back to square one.
Why Has This Case Remained Unsolved?
Lack of Physical Evidence
- The murder weapon was never found.
- The stolen items were never recovered.
- The orange van was never identified.
The Missing Answering Machine Tape
Authorities have never located the missing tape from Todd’s answering machine.
- Could it have contained a message from his killer?
- Did Todd’s murderer erase evidence before fleeing?
The disappearance of this tape has left a gaping hole in the investigation.
Was Todd Specifically Targeted?
Though the leading theory is burglary, some believe Todd was targeted for another reason.
- Did he have enemies?
- Did he witness something he shouldn’t have?
- Was the burglary staged to cover up something more sinister?
Where the Case Stands Today
A Case Still Open
Decades later, Todd McAfee’s murder remains unsolved.
However, investigators have not given up—the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek new leads.
Hope for Justice
With advancements in DNA testing and forensic technology, authorities hope to revisit old evidence for possible new clues.
They urge anyone with information—even the smallest detail—to come forward.
Conclusion: A Life Cut Short, A Mystery That Endures
Todd McAfee was a well-respected farm manager, known for his work ethic and dedication.
His murder was brutal and calculated, yet his killer remains free.
Decades later, those who knew Todd still seek justice.
Perhaps one day, the truth will finally come to light, and his murderer will be brought to justice.
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