Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Roberts Arrested on Firearms Charges, Tenino Homicide Investigation Continues

July 16, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Contact: Jessie Knudsen, jessie.knudsen@co.thurston.wa.us

OLYMPIA, WA - On July 9, 2019, Eric Roberts contacted Thurston County 911 dispatch and made incriminating statements implicating himself in the disappearance and presumed homicide of Nancy Moyer, a resident of Tenino who has been missing under suspicious circumstances for approximately 10 years. As a result of his statements, the Thurston County Sheriff's Detectives arrested Roberts on suspicion of murder and began investigating the leads Roberts provided both during his 911 call and to investigators thereafter. During subsequent interviews, Roberts recanted his incriminating statements.

On July 11, 2019 pursuant to Court Rules, the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office filed a prosecutor's declaration supporting probable cause stating there was probable cause to believe Roberts had committed the crime of Murder in the Second Degree associated with the disappearance of Moyer. The prosecutor's declaration supporting probable cause was based on Robert's incriminating statements and other circumstantial evidence derived from prior investigation into Moyer's disappearance. A judicial officer of the Thurston County Superior Court found probable cause for Murder in the Second Degree and set bail and conditions for release for Roberts in the event he posted bail. Under court rules, the bail and conditions for release on Roberts expired at 5:00 p.m. July 15, 2019.

Detectives collected additional evidence from Robert's home and from earlier investigations. TCSO is continuing to investigate these items and leads. Detectives also discovered evidence Roberts was in possession of items violating RCW 9.41.190 and 18 USC sec. 922 pertaining to firearm silencers and shortbarreled rifles. Detectives arrested Roberts on those violations July 15, 2019. At this time the Prosecuting Attorney's Office has elected to delay filing any charges related to the homicide investigation until the investigation is complete and all evidence can be fully considered.

Prosecuting Attorney
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