A Tennessee man went missing, and then a break in the case led investigators to a teen bragging about taking the life of a rapist.
A mountain of good detective work solved a complicated missing person case. That hard work ultimately led to the arrest of 18-year-old, Kian Andrew Neal, and possibly some closure to the family of 56-year-old Robert Locke.
This case began in late May when Robert Locke's mother reported him missing from his Collegedale, Tennessee, home on May 24th. Robert had visited relatives for dinner on the 21st before seemingly vanishing. Robert's family says they grew increasingly concerned after realizing his wallet, keys, and phone were all left behind at his home.
Detectives would eventually launch an extensive search of Robert's home for any clues behind his disappearance. While executing the search, cadaver dogs alerted on Robert's bed. Additional forensic testing would reveal signs of a violent encounter taking place inside of the home.
During the investigation into Robert's disappearance, a tip came in on June 8th that caught the attention of detectives. A friend of Kian Andrew Neal told authorities the teen had boasted of killing a r@*ist and disposing of his body.
While following the lead, detectives confirmed that Robert Locke had a 2003 conviction for chi*d m*lestation.
A major break came when detectives discovered that Kian Andrew Neal had been in a single car accident only two and a half miles from Robert's home on May 22nd.
A search warrant for Kian Andrew Neal's vehicle was obtained. Forensic testing would show positive reactions inside of the vehicles trunk, rear seats, and driver's seat.
Through the series of tests performed in Robert's home, and Kian Andrew Neal's vehicle, detectives believe they have pieced together enough evidence to conclude a violent encounter involving both Robert Locke and Kian Andrew Neal occurred in the home and vehicle.
Although Robert Locke's body has not yet been located, authorities believe enough evidence has been discovered to charge Kian Andrew Neal for his homicide.
Kian Andrew Neal was taken into custody on June 12th and charged with criminal homicide in connection to the disappearance of Robert Locke. This is the well-known "Corpus Delecti charge", also known as the "no body" homicide charge.
Kian Andrew Neal is also charged with Especially Aggravated Burglary, Ab*se of a C*rpse, Tampering with Evidence, and Death under suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances. His bail has been set at 1.2 million dollars.
Don Schlender, who helped look for the victim, publicly stated that Robert kept to himself and that Robert was a changed man.
The victim of Robert's 2003 crime has not been confirmed and it remains unknown if Kian was involved or how he knew about Robert's criminal history.
Kian also lived in Collegedale, Tennessee.
We will update.
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