Lakeland Victim Now Presumed Dead

On Friday, police arrested Stobert "Tobie" Holt for the 2008 kidnapping and murder of Robert Wiles of Lakeland, FL.  Holt's arrest comes after a 21-month investigation that included multiple pleads for leads by the FBI and an offer of a $250,000 reward by his family.

Both men worked for National Flight Services, an aircraft maintenance company owned by Wiles' family.  Wiles was a business development manager at the Lakeland branch of the Toledo-based company.

Holt, 42, allegedly kidnapped the 26-year-old Wilkes from Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport (KLAL) on April 1, 2008.  A few days later, his parents received a ransom note.  They reportedly complied with the demands but no recieved no further communcation.

FBI spokesman Dave Couvertier ended months of speculation about Wilkes' safety on Friday: "Robert, unfortunately, is not alive, and we have not located Robert's body."

 
Photo credit: FBI

Authorities say Holt was working as a contract employee doing similar flight maintenance work at Patrick Air Force Base near Cape Canaveral in Florida.  He is currently being held without bail on charges of first degree murder, kidnapping, extortion and for written threats to kill or do bodily harm.

Wiles was a multi-engine pilot, diver, fisherman, and an athlete.

FMI: www.fbi.gov