UPDATE: Major Crimes Detectives Identify and Arrest Suspects in Connection with a Missing Person Case, Now Considered a Homicide
Spokane County Major Crimes Detectives, working the Missing Persons case of Robert B. Abbott, now consider this a homicide investigation. Through this months-long investigation, they identified three suspects and developed probable cause for their arrest. Early this morning, Deputies, with the assistance of Kalispel Tribal Authorities and Airway Heights Police Officers, located two suspects and safely took them into custody.
Later this morning, Detectives located the third suspect and arrested her.
Major Crimes Detectives have been investigating this incident since early April 2024, when 62-year-old Robert B. Abbott was initially reported missing by his wife.
Through the months-long investigation, Major Crimes Detectives collected evidence, conducted several interviews, and now believe Abbott is deceased, but his remains have not been located.
Detectives developed probable cause to charge 51-year-old Richard L. Trower with Murder 2nd Degree, Residential Burglary, Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission 2nd Degree, Theft 2nd Degree, and Trafficking in Stolen Property.
Detectives also developed probable cause to charge Trower’s wife, 52-year-old Teri L. Trower (AKA: Christenson), with Rendering Criminal Assistance 1st Degree and Traffic in Stolen Property.
On August 28, 2024, at approximately 1:10 hours, Deputies were contacted by Kalispel Tribal Authorities and informed Richard Trower was at the casino.
As Deputies coordinated with Kalispel Authorities and Airway Heights Police Officers, they waited until Richard and Teri left the building. They were arrested in the parking lot at approximately 1:50 a.m. After speaking with Detectives, they were informed of their charges and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
Richard L. Trower is charged with Murder 2nd Degree, Residential Burglary, Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission 2nd Degree, Theft 2nd Degree, and Trafficking in Stolen Property.
Teri L. Trower is charged with Rendering Criminal Assistance 1st Degree and Traffic in Stolen Property.
Later this morning, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Detectives located a third suspect, 43-year-old Heather L. Lewis, at a residence east of Cheney. She was safely taken into custody and will be booked into the Spokane County Jail for charges of Murder 2nd Degree, Residential Burglary, Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission 2nd Degree, and Theft 2nd Degree.
This is an active investigation, and additional charges or arrests are possible.
Anyone with information that can assist Major Crimes Detectives with this investigation or help locate Robert B. Abbott’s remains is urged to call Detective N. Bohanek at 509-477-3223, reference #10046777.
The Washington State Crime Lab, Real-Time Crime Center, and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Forensics Unit have all assisted during this investigation.
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Information Sent April 6, 2024:
Missing: Have You Seen Robert B. Abbott?
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies are attempting to locate 62-year-old Robert B. Abbott and are asking for the public’s help.
Abbott’s family members have not seen or heard from him in the last few days and reported him missing. They state it is highly unusual for him not to be in contact with family or friends for this length of time and are concerned for his welfare.
Robert B. Abbott is described as a 62-year-old white male, approximately 5’08”, 165 lbs., with white hair and hazel eyes.
If you have seen Robert B. Abbott, know of his location, or have any information that may help locate him, please call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10046777.
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This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "UPDATE: Major Crimes Detectives Identify and Arrest Suspects in Connection with Missing Person Case" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7