Robert Snoke, a 54-year-old man from Pataskala, Ohio, passed away on April 1, 2023. He was born on April 8, 1968, in Lancaster, Ohio. Robert, also known as Bob, was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Columbus State. He worked in various manufacturing and engineering businesses in the Columbus area. Robert had a passion for traveling, working on cars, and playing the drums. He is survived by his parents, children, siblings, and close friends.
The circumstances surrounding Robert Snoke's death were tragic. He was one of the victims of a suspected serial killer, Rebecca Auborn, who allegedly gave him fentanyl without his knowledge. The Franklin County Coroner's Office ruled his death as an accidental overdose caused by fentanyl. Toxicology reports also found cocaine in his system. Robert Snoke was found dead in a hotel room on Clara Street by the Fairgrounds in Columbus.
Rebecca Auborn, a 34-year-old woman, was indicted in October 2023 on nearly 30 charges, including multiple counts of murder, aggravated robbery, and felonious assault. Authorities allege that between January and June 2023, she met clients for sex in Columbus, then drugged them with fentanyl to rob them. Auborn has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held in the Franklin County jail. Her trial is scheduled for November 14, 2023, although the date may be moved.
The investigation into Robert Snoke's death and the other victims' deaths has been led by the Columbus Division of Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The case has drawn significant attention to issues of drug-related crimes, sex work, and public safety in Columbus. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and continue to seek information regarding Auborn's activities between December 2022 and August 2023 in the northeast Columbus area.
