Account
Jun 12, 2024
Jun 12, 2024
Robert
Abbott
62
62
68 inches
168 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
In the quiet community of Spokane, Washington, the disappearance of 62-year-old Robert Blane Abbott in early April 2024 sparked a deeply concerning investigation that would eventually be treated as a homicide. Robert, a white male standing approximately 5-foot-8 and weighing around 165 pounds, with white hair and hazel eyes, was last in contact with his wife on April 2, 2024. His wife, Starr Abbott, officially reported him missing on April 6 after a friend expressed concern over not being able to reach him for several days. The circumstances of his disappearance were immediately alarming. Upon entering their home, his wife discovered that Robert's dogs had been left without food or water, an act described as highly out of character for him. Both of his cell phones were going straight to voicemail, deepening the family's worry that something terrible had happened. Robert was believed to have left in his dark blue 2018 BMW M550XI, but his destination was unknown. The initial welfare check at Robert's residence quickly escalated the situation from a standard missing person case to one involving suspected foul play. His wife, upon arriving at their home, found the house in disarray. Forcing their way into a locked shop on the property, she and an associate made a grim discovery: a pool of blood on the floor. Adding to the ominous scene, Robert's BMW and a number of his tools were missing from the shop. The stolen vehicle was later located on April 5 at a mobile home park in Mead, Washington. Investigators processing the car uncovered several blood stains inside the vehicle and a significant amount in the trunk, suggesting a large object, consistent with a human body, had been stored there. Further examination of the scene at Robert's home yielded two fired cartridge cases, one inside the shop and one outside, and a bullet fragment was also found. As the investigation progressed, what began as a search for a missing man transformed into a homicide investigation, although Robert's remains have not been found. In late August 2024, authorities arrested three individuals in connection with his disappearance and presumed death. The suspects were identified as 51-year-old Richard L. Trower, his 52-year-old wife Teri L. Trower, and 43-year-old Heather L. Lewis. Richard Trower, who had previously lived with Robert but had a falling out after being accused of theft, faced multiple charges including second-degree murder. His wife and Lewis also faced serious charges related to the case. The investigation revealed that between April 2 and April 4, Richard Trower and Heather Lewis had several phone conversations about what to do with certain items, with Trower allegedly instructing Lewis to delete the messages. Witnesses had reported seeing Richard Trower driving Robert's stolen BMW in the days following his disappearance, and he was also allegedly selling some of Robert's stolen tools. The case remains a painful and unresolved ordeal for Robert Abbott's loved ones, who are still seeking answers and the return of his remains.
Apr 02, 2024
Spokane
Washington
Spokane County
99224
No
144694
Spokane County Sheriff's Office
Spokane
Washington
Spokane County
99260
1100 West Mallon Avenue, Washington
5094772240
County
Law Enforcement
2024-10046777
2024-04-05
Spokane County Sheriff's Office
Gray or Partially Gray
Hazel
Hazel
No
06/09/2026
