Fifteenth Anniversary of the Disappearance of Robert Lee Hourihan

April 8, 2026, marks fifteen years since Robert Lee Hourihan disappeared from Palmyra, Virgina, a case that remains unsolved.

Hourihan was last seen at approximately 8:00 a.m. on April 8, 2011, at the E.W. Thomas Grocery Store. He was wearing blue work pants, a gray work shirt, and brown boots, and was driving a white 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier with Virginia personalized license plate “TARAMAE.”

Investigators initially believed Hourihan was traveling to work in Richmond. Subsequent investigative findings, however, indicate that may not have been his destination.

On May 28, 2011, his vehicle was located abandoned in a Target parking lot in La Plata, Maryland. The circumstances surrounding its discovery remain a central focus of the investigation.

Authorities suspect foul play. Investigators believe that individuals may still have information critical to determining what happened to Robert Hourihan. His family continues to seek answers. The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to pursuing all leads and bringing resolution to this case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator Jeremy Wood at 434-589-8211 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. A reward of up to $20,000 is available for information leading to the discovery of Robert Lee Hourihan’s whereabouts.