YELM, WA – Authorities in Washington state have apprehended two individuals in connection with the murder of a father of two, whose body was discovered in a shallow grave near the Nisqually River.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has been diligently investigating the death of Robert Erwin, a transient in his early 40s. His remains were found buried on June 4 near the Nisqually River. Erwin’s family, including his sister Amanda Douglass, has been grappling with the tragic news. Douglass shared that Erwin struggled with mental health issues and addiction but was deeply loved by his family, especially his two sons.
On the day of the arrests, Lt. Mike Brooks of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced that, with the help of Yelm Police, Tumwater Police, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, detectives had detained a man and a woman in their mid-30s from the Yelm area. They face charges of Rendering Criminal Assistance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains.
Initially, Erwin’s disappearance was treated as a missing person case. Douglass expressed her frustration, noting that the sheriff’s office did not immediately suspect foul play. The revelation of her brother’s murder has left the family in shock and seeking justice.
The investigation into Erwin’s death continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The sheriff’s office has not yet disclosed further details about the suspects or a potential motive.
As the family mourns and seeks answers, the community remains on edge, hoping for more information and closure in this tragic case.