A Florida man is on trial for murder more than two years after his adoptive parents were discovered dead in a bloody scene at their house in 2023.
Robbie James Tower, 49, and his wife Jennifer Christine Tower, 51, were discovered dead by cops responding to their North Port, Fla. home shortly before midnight on August 31, 2023, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
Their 24-year-old son, Dima Jones Tower, is currently on trial for murder in connection with the terrible crimes.
According to the probable cause affidavit, North Port officers arrived to the Towers’ home when a neighbor called 911 and reported that a woman had come to her door hysterically yelling, “I need help.” The neighbor claimed she did not see the woman when she opened the door and discovered a big amount of blood on the steps.
According to the affidavit, officers arrived and discovered a man, subsequently identified as Dima, covered in blood in front of the Towers’ residence. He fled the area, resulting in a police chase, and was eventually caught.
According to the affidavit, investigators discovered the pair in their living room, lying “head-to-head” and face down in a bloody scene.
Robbie had a puncture wound on his back, and Jennifer was covered in blood.
The affidavit describes a violent scene inside the apartment, with a huge amount of blood covering the living room couches, the couple’s bed, the kitchen, a rag in the kitchen, and the inside of the front door.
Dima was 14 years old when the couple adopted him from Ukraine in 2016, according to ABC 7.
Their Facebook pages include pleasant family images. Jennifer’s Facebook profile image features a “Pray for Ukraine” sign posted in March 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.
According to court records, Dima was previously charged with assault.
He was arrested in 2020 on accusations of domestic abuse after reportedly throwing the victim across the kitchen while placing groceries in the fridge, according to an earlier affidavit seen by PEOPLE. The claimed attack left the victim with a bloodied forehead and lacerations on his back.
A judge later declined the charges, according to court records.
Robbie and Jennifer created a legacy of generosity and community service, according to online obituaries published shortly after their deaths.
Jennifer loved bird watching, according to her obituary, while Robbie is remembered for his sense of humor, among other things.
The motivation for the deaths was not immediately obvious. Dima has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
His defense team intends to petition the jury to convict him of manslaughter, a lesser charge, according to the Herald-Tribune.
