Patrick Tymoch, aged 51, was found dead on January 31, 2022, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His body was discovered alongside that of 52-year-old Annastacia Merrell at her home on Bentwood Lane. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office responded to a welfare check request and found both individuals shot to death. The authorities believe the incident occurred on January 31, 2022.
Tymoch was identified as a co-worker of Merrell, but the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.
The investigation quickly identified 47-year-old Chad Ankenbrand as a person of interest. Ankenbrand, who lived with Merrell, was not present at the scene, and his whereabouts were unknown. The authorities described him as armed and dangerous, urging the public not to approach him if spotted. Ankenbrand was believed to be driving a black Ford Mustang convertible, which was later found abandoned. The search then focused on a stolen 2013 silver Nissan Juke with an Auburn University license plate, which Ankenbrand might have been using.
The double homicide shocked the quiet Willow Bend neighborhood, where residents reported rarely seeing police activity. Neighbors expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the incident, describing Merrell as a kind and unassuming person. Despite the extensive search efforts, Ankenbrand remained at large, and the investigation continued to gather evidence and follow leads.
As of now, there have been no arrests or charges filed in connection with the deaths of Patrick Tymoch and Annastacia Merrell. The case remains open, with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office actively seeking information from the public to locate Ankenbrand and bring justice to the victims. The community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution to this tragic event.
