Three arrested for missing person turned homicide investigation in Spokane County

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- Three people have been arrested in connection with the missing person turned homicide case of Robert B. Abbott.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, detectives have been working this case since 62-year-old Abbott was first reported missing by his wife in early April of this year.

In the months since the report was filed, detectives now believe Abbott is dead even though his body hasn't been found.

The sheriff's office said there was probable cause to charge 51-year-old Richard L. Trower with second-degree murder, burglary, taking a vehicle without permission and trafficking stolen property. They also had probable cause to charge Trower's wife, 52-year-old Teri L. Trower with rendering criminal assistance and trafficking in stolen property.

In the early Tuesday morning hours, Kalispel Tribal Authorities let deputies know Richard and Teri were at the casino. Law enforcement waited until the couple left the building and they were both arrested in the parking lot. Both were booked into Spokane County Jail.

The third suspect, 43-year-old Heather L. Lewis, was arrested at a home east of Cheney around 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Lewis was booked into Spokane County Jail for second-degree murder, burglary, taking a vehicle without permission and theft.

The sheriff's office said this is still an active investigation and additional charges or arrests are possible.

Anyone with information that can help find Robert Abbott's body is urged to call Detective N. Bohanek at 509-477-3223 and reference case #10046777.

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