Man Charged in 1996 Kidnapping and Murder of Kentucky Girl

Robert Scott Froberg accused of killing 7-year-old Morgan Violi nearly 30 years after her body was found in Tennessee

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A man named Robert Scott Froberg has been charged with the 1996 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Morgan Violi from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Froberg, who was already serving a prison sentence in Alabama for a robbery conviction, confessed to the crime after FBI agents interviewed him and linked his DNA to the case. Morgan's body was found in the woods in Tennessee a few months after her disappearance.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of continued investigation and advancements in forensic science that can help solve cold cases, even decades later. It also provides closure for Morgan's family after nearly 30 years of uncertainty and grief.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Froberg had escaped from prison twice in 1996 before allegedly kidnapping Morgan from the parking lot of her apartment complex in Bowling Green. Froberg told FBI agents that he drove Morgan to a barn in White House, Tennessee, where he strangled her to death and left her naked body in the woods. A piece of Morgan's hair found in a van Froberg had stolen after his second prison escape helped investigators develop a DNA profile that ultimately led them to Froberg as the suspect.

  • On July 24, 1996, Morgan Violi was kidnapped from the parking lot of her apartment complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
  • In October 1996, Morgan's body was found in the woods in White House, Tennessee.
  • On February 24, 2026, Froberg was interviewed by FBI agents and confessed to the crime.
  • On February 26, 2026, Froberg was charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death.

The players

Robert Scott Froberg

A 62-year-old man who was serving a prison sentence in Alabama for a robbery conviction when he was linked to the 1996 kidnapping and murder of Morgan Violi through DNA evidence. Froberg had escaped from prison twice in 1996 before allegedly committing the crime.

Morgan Violi

A 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped from the parking lot of her apartment complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1996. Her body was found a few months later in the woods in Tennessee.

Kyle G. Bumgarner

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky who announced the charges against Froberg at a news conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today is not about Froberg. Today is about Morgan Violi.”

— Kyle G. Bumgarner, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Kentucky (WBKO)

“Morgan was more than the worst thing that happened to her. She was a daughter. She was a little sister. She loved to dance. She loved to sing. She loved telling her older sisters she was bigger than them.”

— Kyle G. Bumgarner, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Kentucky (WBKO)

What’s next

Froberg is expected to appear in court for an arraignment after he is taken into federal custody.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of continued investigation and advancements in forensic science in solving cold cases, even decades later. It also highlights the lasting impact of such tragedies on victims' families and the community.