It is with unimaginable heartbreak that I am creating this GoFundMe for my dear friend, Michelle Garcia, who tragically lost her beautiful daughter, Marissa Garcia, on December 23,2024.

Marissa was a loving mother of four children, all of whom are now growing up without their mom. Michelle not only lost her daughter, but has endured over a year of devastating uncertainty, grief, and unanswered questions.

During the first several months of Marissa’s disappearance, Michelle was unable to work due to overwhelming grief. She also traveled back and forth from her home state to Florida, tirelessly searching for her daughter, working alongside the police department, news outlets, and social media networks—never giving up hope of finding Marissa.

Right before Christmas 2025, Michelle was contacted by the detective on Marissa’s case. She was informed that a suspect had finally been identified: Stefan Eide, a resident of Titusville, Florida, who was last seen picking up Marissa on Christmas Eve morning 2024 from the Pines Apartments in Palm Bay, Florida. The detective explained they were awaiting a judge’s approval for an arrest warrant, which was later granted.

Stefan admitted to picking up Marissa that morning and driving her to Max Rhodes Park, where events occurred that he claims led to Marissa overdosing in his truck. Instead of calling for help or taking her to a hospital or fire station, he knowingly chose not to get her medical attention. He drove her back to Titusville, fully aware she was dying. He returned to the home where he lived with his girlfriend and her parents, left Marissa’s deceased body in his truck, went inside to eat dinner, and later—under the cover of darkness—dumped her body in nearby woods.

Despite extensive searches by law enforcement, search teams, family, and friends across multiple days in the locations Stefan identified, Marissa’s remains have still not been found.

While Michelle can now begin to grieve knowing her daughter is at peace in heaven, not being able to properly lay her child to rest is a pain no parent should ever endure.

To add to this heartbreak, Stefan Eide was ultimately released from all charges, claiming fear and hiring legal counsel. He received only minor fines. The justice system failed Marissa and her family.

This GoFundMe is being created to help Michelle:

• Host a Celebration of Life to honor Marissa

• Purchase a memorial bench to be placed at Max Rhodes Park or the Brevard Zoo—two places Marissa loved spending time with her children.

• A Trust For Marissas children

Please consider donating if you are able. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Marissa’s family in your prayers means more than words can express.

Thank you for taking the time to read Marissa’s story and for all the love and support shown throughout this painful journey.