Palm Bay Man Arrested in Yearlong Investigation Into Disappearance of Marissa Garcia

Chief Mariano Augello: Suspect Failed to Report Death, Improperly Disposed of Remains

CLICK HERE TO WATCH: Palm Bay Chief of Police Mariano Augello details the arrest of a 32-year-old Stefan Eide following a more than yearlong investigation into the disappearance of Marissa Garcia, a 25-year-old woman who was last seen in December 2023. (PBPD video image)

Stefan Eide has been charged with tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, illegal transportation of human remains, improper disposal of human remains, and soliciting prostitution.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — Palm Bay police detectives have arrested a 32-year-old man following a more than yearlong investigation into the disappearance of Marissa Garcia, a 25-year-old woman who was last seen in December 2023.

Stefan Eide was taken into custody on Thursday after detectives said they developed sufficient evidence linking him to Garcia’s disappearance through witness accounts and vehicle information gathered during the investigation.

According to police, Garcia was last seen on Dec. 23, 2023, when an acquaintance observed her getting into a silver pickup truck with a dirt bike secured in the truck bed. Investigators later determined that Eide owned a vehicle matching that description, which became a central focus of the case.

An arrest affidavit states that when initially questioned by detectives, Eide denied knowing Garcia. During later interviews, however, police say he changed his account and admitted that he picked her up that day and drove her to Max Rodes Park in Palm Bay.

Eide told investigators that while at the park, the two engaged in sexual activity. He claimed Garcia then began convulsing and became unresponsive. Eide further told police that he found what he believed to be narcotics inside her purse after she lost consciousness.

Investigators said Eide admitted that he did not seek medical assistance or contact law enforcement. Instead, according to police, he left Garcia’s body inside his vehicle for several hours. Eide later told detectives that he disposed of her body in the area of Hammock Road and Cuyler Street in Mims.

Law enforcement agencies conducted multiple searches in and around that area, police said, but Garcia’s remains have not been found.

As a result of the investigation, Eide has been charged with tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, illegal transportation of human remains, improper disposal of human remains, and soliciting prostitution.

Police emphasized that the investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to the disappearance of Marissa Garcia is urged to contact the Palm Bay Police Department.

Similar Stories