On February 1, 2021, the quiet community of Gateway, Arkansas, was disturbed by the discovery of a deceased man at a residence along U.S. Highway 62. The Benton County Sheriff's Office, responding to a welfare check, found the body of 38-year-old Robert Blau. An initial investigation revealed that Blau, a White/Caucasian male, had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his left side, just below the armpit. The grim discovery initiated a search for answers into the untimely death of a man described by his loved ones as a kind and selfless individual.
The investigation quickly gained momentum when the Bentonville Police Department received a tip about a possible homicide, leading them to identify a suspect. The following day, on February 2, 2021, 44-year-old Glen Thatcher of Bentonville turned himself into the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Thatcher was subsequently arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with Robert Blau's death. During their brief investigation, detectives successfully recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the incident. Thatcher was then booked into the Benton County Jail to await a bond hearing.
Robert Blau was remembered by his wife, Kirsten, as a good man who consistently tried to bring smiles to the faces of others. She emphasized his unwavering dedication to his family, particularly his role as a devoted father to their two daughters. Born on April 13, 1982, in Mason City, Iowa, Robert was a cherished son, brother, and friend. The unexpected loss was a significant blow to his family and the community, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness.
