In February of 2016, a 34-year-old White/Caucasian male named Clifford “Cory” Fowler was found deceased in his Spokane Valley, Washington, apartment. His father made the grim discovery on February 18th in the 12900 block of East Mansfield, after not hearing from his son for several days. The front door to the residence was unlocked. It was apparent that Fowler had been dead for some time, as his body was found in a state of decomposition.
An investigation determined that he had died from gunshot wounds.
Detectives from the Spokane Valley Major Crimes unit began to piece together the final days of Fowler's life. They learned he worked from home and seemed to lead a relatively private life. The last time he was known to be alive was February 11, 2016, when surveillance footage captured him entering his apartment complex. He failed to log in for his job the following day, which was uncharacteristic of him. His sister also told investigators she had last communicated with him via instant messenger at work on February 10th. In the months that followed, his family offered a $10,000 reward for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction, describing him as a kind, gentle man and a loving father who had moved to the area to be closer to his daughter.
The investigation continued for over two years, eventually focusing on Fowler's ex-girlfriend, Cristina C. Stiles. Detectives learned that at the time of his death, Fowler and Stiles were involved in contentious child custody proceedings regarding their young child. Investigators looked into Stiles' whereabouts around the time of the murder and questioned her, though she denied any involvement. Through a lengthy investigation, detectives developed probable cause to charge her with the crime.
In August 2018, the investigation culminated in an arrest. With the assistance of U.S. Marshals, 38-year-old Cristina C. Stiles was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Florida. She was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Clifford Fowler.
