Robert Scott Froberg Pleads Guilty in 30-Year-Old Cold Case Involving the Kidnapping and Murder of Morgan Violi. Froberg Agreed to a Life Sentence

BOWLING GREEN, KY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Kentucky, Western), published as received.

BOWLING GREEN, KY – Robert Scott Froberg, originally from Dayton, Ohio, pled guilty on July 22, 2026, in United States District Court to kidnapping and murdering 7-year-old Morgan Violi on July 24, 1996.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chief Michael Delaney of the Bowling Green Police Department, Robertson County, Tennessee Sheriff Mike Van Dyke and Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit Kori Beck Bumgarner made the announcement.

For three decades, despite the tireless efforts of law enforcement, Morgan’s kidnapping and murder remained an unsolved crime. According to the complaint, since the 1990s, the processing of DNA has undergone significant advancements including the creation of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national database that stores DNA profiles for comparison purposes. Due to these known advancements, additional laboratory testing was requested, leading to a breakthrough in the investigation and, ultimately, to the arrest and conviction of Robert Scott Froberg.

Robert Scott Froberg, 61, of Dayton, Ohio, was arrested for armed robbery in Alabama on December 27, 1988. On April 3, 1996, Froberg escaped from the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. Froberg fled to Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. On May 20, 1996, Froberg attempted to lure a 7-year-old boy into a treehouse. Fortunately, the young boy ran to tell his mother about the interaction. The young boy’s mother called law enforcement and Froberg was arrested after a short chase. He was taken to the Northumberland County Jail.

On July 16, 1996, Froberg again escaped from custody and fled to Dayton, Ohio. On July 23, 1996, Froberg stole a maroon Chevrolet van from behind a residence near where his parents resided. Froberg left Dayton heading toward Huntsville, Alabama. 

On July 24, 1996, Froberg exited I-65 South at a Bowling Green exit. Froberg drove to the Colony Apartments. Froberg attempted to abduct 7-year-old Morgan Violi’s friend. She was able to escape from Froberg’s grasp. Then, Froberg grabbed Morgan and threw her into the stolen van. Froberg fled with Morgan from Bowling Green on I-65 South. He exited I-65 at the White House, Tennessee exit. Froberg pulled over near a barn off the exit. Froberg strangled Morgan causing her death. Froberg left her body near the barn and fled from the scene.  

Froberg pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in United States District Court in Bowling Green. If the Court accepts the terms of the plea agreement, Froberg will receive a Life sentence. There is no parole in the federal system, so a Life sentence means incarceration until the end of life. 

United States Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner stated, “It is hard to envision a more egregious crime than the abduction and murder of a 7-year-old child. This evil act left Morgan’s family devastated and began 30 years of unanswered questions and torturing sadness. This evil act also left the parents in our community wondering if this previously unknown predator would strike again. Whose child would he steal next…  This defendant’s depravity forever changed Morgan’s family and Bowling Green. Morgan’s abduction has been an open wound in our community for 30 years. Yesterday, Morgan’s family and our Bowling Green community witnessed this defendant admit his horrors and agree to a Life sentence. I am so thankful that my office, along with our incredible law enforcement partners, played an important role in this guilty plea.”   

This case was investigated by the FBI Bowling Green Satellite Office, the Bowling Green Police Department and the Robertson County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office. The lead investigators are Supervisory Special Agent Will Kurtz of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent Rene Chouinard of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent Eric Strough of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detective David Grimsley of the Bowling Green Police Department and Intelligence Analysist Laura Stump of Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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