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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Arrest made in year-old missing person’s case

Bret R. Snow (Courtesy of Spokane County Sheriff’s Office)

Months of investigative work into the suspected killing of a Spokane Valley man led detectives to a home in Post Falls Wednesday.

Colby D. Vodder, 26, is in the Kootenai County Jail on a fugitive from justice charge and will be extradited to Spokane County to face a charge of second-degree murder. He was arrested at a home in the 2100 block of North Riverstone Drive.

He is accused of killing Bret R. Snow, 32, who was reported missing by his family on Dec. 15, 2015. They told police that they had heard rumors that Snow was killed by drug dealers, according to court documents. His family also reported that Snow had used illegal drugs and knew drug dealers.

A friend of Snow’s told detectives that she dropped Snow off at a home in the 7800 block of North Starr Road on Dec. 2, 2015. Cellphone records show that Snow’s phone was pinging in that area until the early morning of Dec. 3, when it fell silent.

Court records state that detectives found blood and hair in a backyard workshop of the home on Starr Road in June. Tests showed that the blood was Snow’s, according to court documents.

Vodder has a criminal history dating back to 2005. His convictions include burglary, possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture/deliver.

He has had Spokane County warrants out for his arrest since September 2015 for failing to appear in court to face charges of third-degree theft and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation into Snow’s death and hopes to find the location of Snow’s body, the Sheriff’s Office said. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lyle Johnston at (509) 477-3191.