After ransom paid, Robert Wiles is still missing *presumed dead, arrest made*

[Unamused Cat]

The owners of a large airline maintenance firm have gone public with their son's kidnapping nearly a month after meeting a ransom demand -- and getting only silence in return.

Thomas and Pamela Wiles went to the cops last week after they complied with a ransom demand for the return of their 26-year-old son Robert Wiles.

"Robert was," Thomas Miles began, then quickly correcting himself. "Is, is. He's a pilot with multiengine instrument ratings. He's a diver, athlete and a journeyman fisherman."

Robert Wiles was last seen at his job at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport at 6:30 p.m. April 1. Lakeland is about 35 miles east of Tampa.

On April 3, two days after he disappeared, Thomas and Pamela Wiles, who live near Toledo, Ohio, received a ransom note. The kidnappers demanded cash with specific instructions that Wiles' parents met.

Since then, there has been no additional correspondence from the kidnapper or kidnappers and the parents said they fear the money may never have made it to their son's captors.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=4739936&page=1

[Mr_Vindictive]

Fucking dumbasses. Don't people ever watch TV or films? You never pay the ransom. Their son was either already murdered or he "kidnapped" himself and took the money for himself.

[Unamused Cat]

Fucking dumbasses. Don't people ever watch TV or films? You never pay the ransom. Their son was either already murdered or he "kidnapped" himself and took the money for himself.

My thoughts exactly. I wonder how much they paid.

[Lizard]

Don't people ever watch TV or films?

Yeah! Where's the FBI? What about phone taps? I watch tv and movies!!!

[hunibuni]

It is sad but he was probably dead long before they paid the ransom. Since they were stupid enough to hand over money then they probably didn't ask for a proof of life or anything else.
:grrrrrr:

[Mom of 4]

It is sad but he was probably dead long before they paid the ransom. Since they were stupid enough to hand over money then they probably didn't ask for a proof of life or anything else.
:grrrrrr:

Welcome to the site hunibuni. :)

[ThatWasEasy]

I'd would also like to know how much was paid out and to see what was in the ransome note. (Instructions...)

[Dakota Valkyrie]

The FBI announced that they have identified a key suspect and others of interest in the kidnapping of Lakeland man Robert Wiles, and are close to a pivotal break in the 10- month-old case.
[...]
At a meeting at the FBI’s Tampa headquarters, FBI spokesman Dave Couvertier and Wiles’ parents made a plea for more information and announced the Wiles’ new reward offer of $250,000. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI tips line at 1-866-838-1153.

“I want people to know that we’re not full of hate. What’s happened has happened. We can’t change that. We want to work with somebody to make things straight,” Pamela Wiles said.

Ultimately, she said, they’re willing to do whatever it takes, including paying more money, to get their son back.

“We’re not zillionaires,” Thomas Wiles added. “Whatever we can do, we will.”

Investigators believe the key players in Wiles’ case are located in Lakeland, Orlando and Melbourne, where Wiles grew up.

The individuals involved were likely upset or obsessed with Wiles and have great knowledge of Wiles’ routine and personal information, “things typically you wouldn’t share with other folks,” Couvertier said, including some of the family’s private and business affairs.
[...]
Anyone with information is asked to call or make contact with the FBI whether through the Web site at tampa.fbi.gov, through a trusted third party, a report to local authorities, or a letter, fax or e-mail.

“Any information, even if it’s a gut feeling, a hunch, we encourage them to contact us,” he said.

http://www.theledger.com/article/200...ing-Pilot-Case

[Unamused Cat]

Thanks for the update Dakota. I was just thinking about this case recently. I just couldn't remember his name offhand.

[LocalCelebrity]

First time Ive posted a story so I'm not sure if I'm doing it right...Hope so...here goes....


FBI agents in Maitland gave an update Tuesday on their progress in the case of Robert Wiles, 26.

"During this investigation, we have actually identified a key suspect and individuals of interest that are associated with that individual, as well as them being familiar with Robert," said FBI special agent Dave Couvertier.

It has been 10 months since Wiles was last seen, but for his parents, that is 10 months too long.

"Every day, you wake up in the morning from a deep relaxing sleep, and you get up and this wave just comes over you of the reality that you don't have your son," said Pamela Wiles, Robert's mother.

Agents told News 13 Wiles' parents received a ransom note just after their son disappeared, but they have not heard from the kidnappers since, even after paying the ransom.

"We have to have hope," Pamela Wiles said. "The FBI has helped sustain that hope. We have two daughters that helped sustain that, [and we have] a lot of the public's support. You just have to. You have to hold on. We're just waiting for closure."

Wiles' parents said they believe the suspects knew their son and his daily routine, and had inside information about his company.

The family said they hope a $250,000 reward would encourage someone with information to help them find their son.

"I'm hoping someone out there, please step forward. We are willing to do whatever it takes, whatever you need to help protect you and help you start a new life, and keep you out of this," Pamela Wiles said. "Whatever it is, we are willing to work with them."

Wiles' father, Thomas Wiles, said no matter what the motive, they just want the kidnappers to tell them where Robert is.

"I love you Robert. I want you back," Thomas Wiles said.

Agents said the key suspect and persons of interest live or work in Lakeland, Orlando or Melbourne. No names were released.

If you have information on the kidnapping of Robert Wiles, call the FBI's Tampa office at (866) 838-1153 or 813-253-1000.

Anonymous tips also can be mailed to the FBI at: 5525 W. Gray St., Tampa FL 33609. Or you can ask someone from the clergy or an attorney to contact the agency on your behalf; the FBI says it is will honor confidentiality.

The family also has an e-mail available for information. Send any leads to them at missing@nationalflight.com.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

An investigation into the kidnap-for-ransom case of a young Lakeland pilot led to the arrest of a Melbourne man Friday, according to the FBI.

Stobert Lindell Holt Jr., 42, also known as Toby Holt, was arrested Friday afternoon while getting off a flight from Colombia at Orlando International Airport, officials said.

Holt was indicted by a grand jury Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, extortion and writing threats to kill or do bodily harm in the case of Robert Arthur Wiles.

Holt was taken to the Polk County Jail, where he is being held without bail. He will most likely have his first court appearance at 9 a.m. today.

FBI agent Dave Couvertier said agents have not found Wiles' body, but they have reason to think he is dead.

Little is known about the connection between Wiles and Holt or what evidence led investigators to Holt as a suspect.

In declining comment about the specifics of the case, State Attorney's Office spokesman Chip Thullbery said, "Once discovery (evidence) is provided to the defense, the offense reports will become public record."
[...]

The investigation led authorities around the world. Investigators pursued leads in nine Florida cities, along with other cities in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Internationally, leads were followed in Canada, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela and Thailand, the FBI reported.

http://www.theledger.com/article/200...-Missing-Pilot

The FBI said Holt worked for Wiles at the time he disappeared. He was among several employees who told investigators they last saw Wiles on April 1, 2008, at the office and had no clue what happened to him.

The FBI won't reveal the suspected motive or why agents believe it was Holt who left a uniquely signed ransom note demanding money two days after Wiles disappeared.

At the time, agents said Wiles' father tried to comply with the demand to get back his son, but heard nothing.

Holt is described as an employee who, at least at one time, had a supervisory role at the company.

Authorities say he now works as a contract employee doing similar flight maintenance work at Patrick Air Force base near Cape Canaveral in Florida.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/18/florida.missing.pilot/

Robert Wiles

[MC30]

hummm.

[Tits McGee]

Suspected Pilot Killer’s Attorney Speaks
BARTOW -- New details are emerging in an alleged kidnapping for ransom and murder plot in Lakeland.

Stobert Lindell Holt, Jr. was arrested Friday and charged in connection with the death of Robert Wiles, 26.

For the first time since the arrest, we expect to hear from Wiles’ family, perhaps as early as Tuesday.

A source inside National Flight Services, the company where Wiles worked, said Holt, Jr. was fired from the company in August 2008.

That was 4 months after Wiles vanished without a trace.

Holt, Jr was in court for his first appearance Monday.

His attorney Stephen Crawford said the state has a weak case -- mainly because Wiles’ body hasn't been recovered.

"It's very difficult to prove murder, not impossible, but very difficult when there is no body," Crawford said.

Holt, Jr. was a mechanic at National Flight Services and worked alongside Wiles nearly every day.

He was hired by Wiles’ father, Tom, who runs the aviation company.

It turns out Holt, Jr. has been in the FBI's crosshairs ever since Wiles disappeared.

“We have met with the FBI on numerous occasions,” Crawford said. “We have given them fingerprints. We've given them DNA. We've given them handwriting samples. They have met with his family members."

Holt, Jr. and his wife, Beverly, live in Melbourne. She stood up for her husband in court Monday.

"My heart does go out to the victim's family, but Toby absolutely had nothing to do with this," Beverly Holt said.

The FBI said its evidence proves otherwise, and that their investigation reveals Wiles is dead.

Holt Jr.’s attorney, though, isn't so sure.

"This is a young man, who's the victim, who lived a wild and crazy lifestyle,” Crawford said. “He could be in Tahiti for all we know, having a good time with the family money. We just don't know."

Although there's no evidence supporting the statement, neither has any evidence come forward from the FBI publicly to show us how strong their case really is.

A hearing to decide if Holt, Jr. should be granted bond is scheduled for next week.

For now, Holt. Jr. remains locked up on no bond at the Polk County Jail.

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2...ce_speaks.html

[Tits McGee]

Did 'Drunken Low-Life' Harm Missing Lakeland Pilot?
BARTOW -- Robert Wiles was kidnapped from his office at the Lakeland Airport in April 2008.

His parents received a ransom note. They followed the demands, but have not heard from their son since.

Just last month, FBI agents arrested Stobert Holt. Holt is a former co-worker of Wiles.

Documents released Tuesday night to News 13 indicate that within the first two weeks of the FBI's investigation into the disappearance of Wiles, 26, agents seemed to be focusing their investigation around a different suspect.

Less than 100 pages of information were released Tuesday. The documents summarize FBI agents meetings with friends and co-workers of Wiles within the first two weeks after his disappearance.

A key focus of FBI agents is a former employee who was fired from Wiles' company.

News 13 will not release the name of the former employee because he hasn’t been charged in connection with the case.
However, employees described the man as a "drunken low-life." One even said he's the only person they think would harm Wiles.

According to the FBI, even the suspect's wife was told by Holt “that the only person who may have something to do with Wiles’ disappearance was a former employee."

Holt's wife described Holt's relationship with Wiles as "rocky."

Fellow employees at Wiles' workplace had plenty to say about Holt, who held a management position with the company.

They characterized Holt as a “self-proclaimed playboy that often talked openly about extramarital trysts."

From very early on, the FBI agents in this case said they were likely looking for someone with a grudge against Wiles or his family.

According to the FBI, one employee stated several other employees were upset with Wiles. They say "Wiles is the owner's son and was placed in a position he was not ready for."

There’s still no evidence that was made public that would show why the FBI believes Holt was behind the alleged kidnapping and murder of Wiles, but the State Attorney's Office says more documents should be coming soon.

Holt has been in jail since he was indicted in mid-December. Jail officials say he's only had six to seven scheduled visitations. His only visitor has been his wife.

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2...and_pilot.html

[Alf]

I was wondering what had happened with this case. This seems to be the latest update.

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
No death penalty for accused Polk killer

LAKELAND --

The man accused of killing a Lakeland pilot will not face the death penalty.

State prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty against Stobert Holt.

Holt is accused of kidnapping and killing 26-year-old Robert Wiles. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, extortion and writing threats to kill.

[...]

Polk County State Attorney's Office statement

The state is not seeking the death penalty because this office does not believe that the evidence will establish sufficient aggravators to support that sentence.

Link

--Al

[Dakota Valkyrie]

A Circuit Court jury found Stobert "Toby" Holt guilty Tuesday of manslaughter, extortion and writing threats to kill or do bodily harm in the case of a missing Lakeland man.

Jurors concluded Holt killed his boss' son, Robert Wiles, who has been missing since 2008.

However, they acquitted Holt of kidnapping.

The 44-year-old Cocoa Beach man didn't react visibly as the jury's decision was read in the crowded courtroom.

Prosecutors argued Holt was to blame for Wiles' disappearance as well as for sending a $750,000 ransom demand. Wiles' body has never been found.

Jurors deliberated about two hours Monday evening and another two hours Tuesday morning.

Originally, Holt was charged with first-degree murder. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Holt faces a maximum of 45 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 9.

Shortly after the verdict was announced, members of Wiles' family hugged and cried together outside the courtroom amid television cameras and reporters.

Tom Wiles, Robert Wiles' father, said he was pleased with the jury's decision.

"A bunch of people agree what this SOB did, and that's a good thing," he said. "A lot of people can recognize that now. But it doesn't bring my boy back."

He said the jury's verdict reaffirms what he already knew: His son is dead and Holt is responsible.

Wiles said he hopes Holt will someday reveal the location of his son's body.
[...]

http://www.newschief.com/article/201...NEWS/202015007

[Dakota Valkyrie]

‘‘48 Hours Mystery’’ will air an episode Saturday titled “Ransom” at 10 p.m. on CBS.

The investigative report will explore how Robert Wiles disappeared without a trace April 1, 2008.

Susan Zirinsky, senior executive producer for ‘‘48 Hours,’’ described the case as “wildly intriguing” and built upon “very curious evidence.”

“It’s a fascinating law and justice case in how to go to trial when there is no body,” she said.
[...]

‘‘48 Hours’’ recorded footage from Holt’s trial for Saturday’s episode.

Zirinsky said the show outlines the case and allows viewers to reach their own judgment on whether authorities got the right guy.

“Did they have the evidence? Was there reasonable doubt? It’s fascinating,” she said.

http://www.theledger.com/article/201...f-Robert-Wiles

[VXIII]

Where is the 750k? If this guy did it he should have some money trail somewhere, Ill try to catch the episode. There have been enough people wrongly convicted and humans need to have a "monster" to blame anytime something happens that I like the idea of presenting all the evidence and letting people make up their own minds, wont matter what I think though, the guy still has 30 years.