An Oregon man allegedly murdered his mother at their home last year, according to charges brought by prosecutors just weeks after his sister and her husband were also found dead, KOIN-TV reports.
On Friday, 30-year-old Robin Hethorn pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and several other charges in connection with the death of his mother, 62-year-old Theresa (Terri) Hethorn.
Theresa, a beloved local educator, was found dead on November 9 inside her home on Yellowstone Drive in Monmouth, Oregon.
Investigators at the time deemed the death “suspicious,” according to the Statesman Journal. Authorities alleged in court documents that Robin was attempting to rob his mother and accused him of stealing her vehicle and identity. Robin’s address was listed as the same one belonging to his mother, suggesting that he lived with her.
“We’ve investigated it and we have probable cause to believe that he did murder his mom,” Monmouth Police Lt. Matt Olafson told KOIN-TV.
Following Theresa’s death, her daughter, 37-year-old Kali Lou Roque, was named her personal representative as part of probate proceedings.
On March 30, Kali and her husband, Juan Roque-Delaguarda, also 37, were found dead in their home in Salem, Oregon. Authorities have not said whether they believe the couple’s death is linked to Theresa’s murder, but the investigation is ongoing.
But police do not believe Robin could have killed the couple because he was arrested less than 10 days after Theresa’s death for strangling and assaulting a man in 2021, for which he was convicted in February, according to The Associated Press.
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Both mother and daughter worked in education. Theresa was an award-winning English Language Learner teacher and directed migrant education in the Dallas School District. “She made everybody feel welcomed and feel okay and I just hate that the world doesn’t get that anymore,” Kali told KOIN-TV in November.
A GoFundMe page raising money for the family describes Theresa as a doting and caring grandmother.
“Known as Waga to her 6 young grandchildren, she leaves behind a massive void that can never be filled. Waga was the ultimate hands-on grandmother; cheering on at football and soccer games, trips to the zoo, the beach, train trips and school pick-ups. Her family was the center of her universe,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Not only was Terri the ultimate Grandmother, she was an educator and a staple to the local community.”
Robin also faces charges of robbery, identity theft, theft, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in connection with his mother’s death.
Questions about Robin’s mental fitness have been raised in court. He is expected to be back in front of a judge on April 24.
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Feature Photo: Theres Hethorn/Handout
