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9 teeth recovered in Tricia Todd evidence search

Posted at 7:33 AM, Jun 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-01 16:06:22-04

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said during a Wednesday news conference that nine teeth believed to be Tricia Todd's were found by search crews at the Hungryland Preserve. 

A detective entering a canal first noticed a tooth on the bank of the waterway.  A careful search then yielded eight more teeth.

Also recovered were hair, two battery-powered saws and pliers.

Snyder said they believe Todd died from "manual strangulation” and her dismemberment was done later.

Search crews are back at the canal near the site where the remains of the Hobe Sound mother were found last week.

Sonar technology picked up something in the canal earlier in the week, prompting Wednesday's search. Alligators and snakes have been an obstacle so far. 

Starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, crews used small boats to search for clues on the canal.

Detectives say Todd's ex-husband, Steven Williams, who confessed to killing her, faces charges of second-degree murder.

Snyder said they are no longer looking for remains but are searching for tools that were possibly used to kill Todd.

A memorial service to remember the life of the Hobe Sound mother will be held  June 7 at Christ Fellowship Church at 7 p.m.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.