FBI releases new images of Arizona ‘Most Wanted’ fugitive Robert William Fisher
Apr 8, 2016, 5:20 PM | Updated: 5:26 pm
PHOENIX — Federal authorities have released new age-progressed photos of a suburban Phoenix man who is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for the suspected murder of his family back in 2001.
Age-progressed photo of Robert William Fisher (FBI Photo)
Robert William Fisher has been on the run for 15 years, after allegedly murdering his family on April 10, 2001 before blowing up their Scottsdale home.
Authorities found the bodies of Mary Fisher, 38, and the couple’s children, Robert Jr., 10, and Brittney, 13, in their beds amid debris. All three had their throats slashed but Mary had also suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
According to investigators, the explosion was arson and triggered by the disconnection of a natural gas line.
Fisher was 40 at the time and was last seen the night before.
Less than two weeks later, authorities found Fisher’s abandoned SUV and his dog about 90 miles northeast of Phoenix near the town of Young.
Believing Fisher was possibly hiding out in a series of caves, more than 100 officers conducted a manhunt of the mountainous terrain. The search was called off a few days later.
Special Agent Robert Caldwell called Fisher a loner and credited that reason to why he is difficult to track.
“It’s a difficult case to work because he’s a loner,” he said. “Loners are difficult to find, but we’re going to keep pursuing all our avenues until we do find him.”
Fisher is wanted on three counts of murder and charges of arson of an occupied structure and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The Scottsdale Police Department and FBI released the photos during a news conference on Friday, days before the 15th anniversary of the killings.
According to a press release, the new age-enhanced photos will be displayed on billboards across the state alongside his charges and the number of the FBI tip line.
Robert William Fisher in 1999. (FBI Photo)
The last known photo of Fisher is from 1999. He will turn 54-years-old next week.
Scottsdale Assistant Police Chief Scott Popp said the lengthy disappearance has been difficult to work with, but they are still diligently following leads.
“(Fisher’s) associates and the people that knew most about him, their memories fade, they don’t have that contact anymore,” he said.
Investigators still get tips about possible Fisher sightings — one as recently as last week. But the hope is an updated image will generate even more calls, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo.
Caldwell said the FBI believes he is still alive.
“We assume he’s alive somewhere, and any tip we get we will follow, whether it’s in this country, or outside,” he said.
Fisher is considered to be armed and dangerous, in possession of several weapons and is known to be a survivalist, hunter and angler.
He also had a “noticeable” gold crown on his upper left tooth at the time of the murders, according to the press release, and walked with an “exaggerated posture.”
If anyone has any information about Fisher’s whereabouts, they are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
A reward of up to $100,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
KTAR News’ Mike Sackley and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
