On a tragic Wednesday morning, June 15, 2016, the community of Roy, Washington, was shaken by the violent death of Robert Sowers, a 46-year-old White / Caucasian male. Dr. Sowers, a respected chiropractor, was fatally shot at his place of business, the McKenna Chiropractic Center. The incident, which occurred around 8:25 a.m., was determined to be a murder-suicide.
The perpetrator was identified as 35-year-old Robert Knapp of Roy.
Knapp entered the chiropractic office, where his wife worked as a receptionist, and shot Dr. Sowers with a shotgun before turning the weapon on himself. At the time of the shooting, a massage therapist was also present in the office but was unharmed. Knapp's wife arrived at the scene moments after the tragic events unfolded.
Investigators were left searching for a motive behind the shocking act, as those who knew both men were left in disbelief. Knapp was a patient of Dr. Sowers, and friends and colleagues of Knapp described him as a friendly and good-humored individual, making the violent outburst all the more perplexing. In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement did not release any information suggesting a clear reason for the murder-suicide.
The sudden loss of Dr. Sowers was deeply felt by the community he had served for over two decades. Patients remembered him as a kind and caring doctor who took the time to listen and talk with them about their lives. Beyond his professional life, Sowers was a dedicated family man, married with two children. He was also an active member of the community, volunteering as a 4-H shooting instructor. Hundreds of community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to mourn the loss of both men, reflecting the profound impact of the tragedy on the small town. There were no further arrests or suspects in the case, as the lone gunman died at the scene.
