A former University of Texas student from Mexico sought in the 1983 slaying of a cleaning woman in Austin has been added to the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
The FBI on Tuesday offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of 51-year-old Robert Van Wisse.
The case involves the September 1983 strangling of 22-year-old Laurie Stout in an office building where she worked a night shift.
Authorities say Van Wisse, who was 18 at the time, had been in the building registering for a course.
Officials believe Van Wisse, born in Guadalajara, fled Austin after learning he possibly was a suspect.
“Van Wisse has been charged with a violent and brutal murder which took a young woman from her family and deprived a baby girl of her mother’s love forever,” Christopher Combs, Special Agent in Charge, of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office said in a statement. “While the FBI and our partner agencies have worked very hard on this case for many years, we are all deeply committed to pursuing every new lead and conducting a thorough investigation. We will never forget, and will not rest until Robert Van Wisse is located, captured, and brought to justice.”
A Texas murder warrant was issued in 1996.
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A U.S. warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued in 1997.
The FBI says Van Wisse should be considered armed and dangerous.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Van Wisse.
Anyone with information concerning Van Wisse should take no action themselves, but should immediately contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Tips can also be submitted online by clicking here. All information can remain anonymous and confidentiality is guaranteed.
Individuals calling from outside of the United States should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
