Podcast Title: Into The Dark
Host: Peyton Moreland
Episode: 104. Who Killed Robert Wone?
Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 104 of Into The Dark, host Peyton Moreland delves into the mysterious and unresolved case of Robert Wone, a dedicated lawyer whose untimely death has baffled investigators and left his loved ones searching for answers. This episode explores the intricate details of the case, examining the relationships, evidence, and theories that surround Robert's tragic demise.

Robert Wone: A Life Committed to Justice

Peyton begins by painting a vivid picture of Robert Wone's background and character. Born Robert Juan in New York City, he was a fourth-generation Chinese American with a profound commitment to justice and equality.

• Early Life and Education:
  "Robert was involved in a bunch of different honor societies and student groups, particularly groups for Asian American students," [05:20] Peyton explains. "He even wrote an article about anti-Asian bias and workplace harassment, published while he was still a student."

• Friendship with Joseph Price:
  Robert's dedication led him to meet Joseph Price, a fellow law enthusiast committed to LGBTQ rights. Their shared passion for equality cemented a strong friendship that lasted beyond their college years.

Building a Career and Family

Both Robert and Joseph pursued their legal careers with vigor, contributing significantly to their respective communities.

• Professional Achievements:
  Joseph established a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ legal issues, while Robert secured a position at a reputable Washington D.C. law firm specializing in real estate and employment law.
  "Robert was still committed to giving back. So he volunteered with a lot of groups that served the Asian American community," [12:10] Peyton notes.

• Marriage and Personal Life:
  In 2003, Robert married Catherine, moving to Washington D.C. They immersed themselves in their community and church, balancing demanding careers with family life.

The Fateful Night: August 2, 2006

The narrative zeroes in on the events leading up to Robert's tragic death.

• Robert's Exhaustion:
  After a late night at work, Robert stayed over at Joseph's home to avoid the long commute.
  "Robert was exhausted. He just didn't feel like making the long trek back home," [07:45] Peyton recounts.

• Living Situation at Joseph's House:
  Joseph lived with his two long-term boyfriends, Victor Zaborski and Dylan Ward, in an open relationship that seemed harmonious on the surface.
  "There was also one empty guest room at the house, which is where Robert ended up staying that night," [10:30]

Discovery of the Crime and Initial Investigation

The discovery of Robert's body and the immediate aftermath raised numerous red flags and inconsistencies.

• The 911 Call:
  At [11:49], Victor called 911, reporting a home intruder who had allegedly stabbed someone. However, his detached demeanor and use of "we" instead of "I" suggested potential collusion:

  "We heard somebody, an intruder in the house. We heard a chime the door," [11:49]

• Crime Scene Anomalies:
  The scene inside the guest bedroom was perplexing. Despite visible stab wounds, the room was unnaturally clean with minimal blood evidence, leading investigators to suspect a cover-up:

  "If Robert had been stabbed while he was in bed, he would have bled on his clothes, on the blankets, maybe even on the carpet," [14:50]

• Incongruent Evidence:
  The presence of Robert's mouth guard suggested he was preparing for sleep, conflicting with the theory of a sudden attack:
  "Robert was clearly ready for bed," [15:00]

Investigative Findings and Suspicious Circumstances

As the investigation unfolded, several discrepancies pointed towards foul play by the household members rather than an external intruder.

• Absence of Forced Entry:
  The back door, surrounded by an eight-foot fence, showed no signs of forced entry, undermining the intruder theory:
  "The fence was covered in dust and cobwebs. It looked like no one had touched it in weeks," [20:15]

• Missing and Mismatched Evidence:
  A unique knife was missing from Dylan's closet, matching the wounds inflicted on Robert. Fibers from a towel found on a blood-covered knife indicated an attempt to stage the crime:

  "The fibers on the knife matched a towel. Like somebody had wiped the blade with a bloody towel to put Robert's blood on it," [23:30]

• Questionable Delay in Seeking Help:
  The 19-minute gap between the neighbor's scream and the 911 call raised suspicions about deliberate evidence tampering:

  "They might have used those 19 minutes to tidy up the scene," [25:00]

Theories and Suspects: Intruder vs. Housemates

The episode delves into contrasting theories about who might have been responsible for Robert's death.

• Intruder Theory Challenges:
  Peyton questions the plausibility of an intruder's motive, especially considering no valuables were taken:

  "Why break in only to ignore a laptop computer, a flat screen TV, phones, and other valuables?" [26:45]

• Housemates as Suspects:
  The improbability of an external assailant cleaning up and leaving minimal evidence pointed towards the three men—Joseph, Victor, and Dylan—as potential perpetrators:

  "The police believe the killer must have been one or more of the three men who lived there," [30:10]

Legal Proceedings and Aftermath

Despite mounting evidence, the legal system struggled to conclusively link the housemates to the crime.

• Trial for Obstruction and Conspiracy:
  In 2010, Joseph, Victor, and Dylan were tried for obstruction of justice, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence but were acquitted:

  "The judge found all of them not guilty. She did not think anybody had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that they were lying or hiding evidence," [28:50]

• Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
  Robert's wife, Kathy, filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit in 2011. To avoid further litigation, the three men settled out of court, details undisclosed:
  "The three reached a settlement out of court. They never publicly announced the terms of that settlement," [32:00]

• Ongoing Controversy:
  The episode highlights the enduring debates over the true nature of the crime, with some believing in the intruder theory while others suspect the housemates:

  "Everything we know about the crime does not make sense. And that is the very confusing and mysterious case of Robert Wone," [34:20]

Conclusion: The Lingering Mystery

Peyton concludes the episode by emphasizing the unresolved questions surrounding Robert Wone's death and the profound impact on his family and community.

• Unanswered Questions:
  "There really is no solid evidence in this case or even a solid theory," [35:00]

• Call for Justice:
  The episode underscores the frustration of waiting for justice and the longing for clarity in a case that remains shrouded in mystery nearly two decades later.

• Final Thoughts:
  "Robert was killed by a random home intruder... But the police couldn't find any evidence to support that theory," [34:50]

Peyton invites listeners to share their thoughts, acknowledging the complexities and unresolved nature of the case:

"Let me know what you think in the comments," [35:10]

Notable Quotes with Time Stamps

• On Robert's Commitment:
  "Robert was involved in a bunch of different honor societies and student groups, particularly groups for Asian American students." [05:20]

• Regarding the 911 Call:

  "We heard somebody, an intruder in the house. We heard a chime the door." [11:49]

• On Crime Scene Cleanliness:
  "If Robert had been stabbed while he was in bed, he would have bled on his clothes, on the blankets, maybe even on the carpet." [14:50]

• Suspicion of Evidence Tampering:

  "They might have used those 19 minutes to tidy up the scene." [25:00]

• Legal Verdict:
  "The judge found all of them not guilty. She did not think anybody had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that they were lying or hiding evidence." [28:50]

• Unsolved Mysteries:
  "There really is no solid evidence in this case or even a solid theory." [35:00]

Final Thoughts

Episode 104 of Into The Dark masterfully navigates the tangled web of Robert Wone's unsolved murder, presenting a comprehensive overview that highlights the complexities and enduring mysteries of the case. Peyton Moreland's thorough analysis, combined with poignant quotes and detailed storytelling, provides listeners with a deep understanding of why this case remains a compelling and perplexing puzzle in the realm of true crime.

Thank you for joining this deep dive into the Robert Wone case. Stay tuned for more intriguing stories as Peyton Moreland continues to guide you further Into The Dark each Wednesday.