Adoptive Son on Trial After Mom and Dad Massacred, Bodies Found ‘Head-to-Head’ in Bloodied Home

A Florida man has gone to trial more than two years after his adoptive parents were discovered slain in a violent scene inside their North Port home.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers responding just before midnight on Aug. 31, 2023, found 49-year-old Robbie James Tower and 51-year-old Jennifer Christine Tower dead inside their residence. Their son, 24-year-old Dima Jones Tower, is now on trial for their murders.

North Port police were alerted after a neighbor called 911, reporting that a woman had frantically come to her door screaming for help. When the neighbor opened the door, she saw no one — only a large amount of blood on the steps, per the affidavit.

Officers soon encountered a man later identified as Dima, standing in front of the home with blood on him. He fled, leading to a police chase before he was taken into custody.

Inside the residence, investigators found the couple in the living room, lying face down and “head-to-head.” Robbie had a puncture wound on his back and Jennifer was soaked in blood, according to the affidavit. Authorities described extensive blood throughout the house, including on the living room furniture, the couple’s bed, the kitchen, a rag, and the inside of the front door.

The couple adopted Dima from Ukraine in 2016 when he was 14, ABC 7 reported. Their social media pages previously showed an engaged family life, including Jennifer’s display photo featuring a “Pray for Ukraine” poster shared in March 2022.

Court documents indicate that Dima had prior legal issues. In 2020, he was arrested on charges including domestic violence after allegedly throwing a victim across a kitchen while putting groceries away, resulting in injuries, according to an earlier affidavit. A judge later declined the charges.

Online obituaries posted after Robbie and Jennifer’s deaths highlight their generosity and strong ties to the community. Jennifer was fond of bird watching, while Robbie was known for his humor and kindness.

The suspected motive for the killings remains unclear. Dima has pleaded not guilty. His defense team intends to request that the jury consider a lesser charge of manslaughter, according to the Herald-Tribune.