Dima James Tower, a 22-year-old Ukrainian adoptee, is facing charges for the brutal murder of his adoptive parents, Jennifer Christine Tower and Robbie James Tower, in their North Port, Florida home. The couple, who were Christian missionaries, had met Dima during a visit to Ukraine when he was a teenager. His mother had passed away and his father, an alcoholic, was not present in his life. Despite his troubled past, the Towers adopted him and brought him to the United States.
Over the years, Dima had shown signs of aggression, including starting fights at school and physically assaulting Robbie Tower. Despite these incidents, the couple continued to support him, even after a brief period where he lived with relatives on Jennifer Tower’s side of the family. According to Warren Rines, Robbie Tower’s uncle, the couple forgave Dima for his actions and provided for his needs, including buying him a car.
The tragic incident unfolded on the night of August 31, when a neighbor called 911 after a woman knocked on her door, screaming for help. When the neighbor opened the door, she found a large amount of blood on her front steps but no sign of the woman. Responding deputies arrived at the scene to find Dima, covered in blood, attempting to flee in his car. A high-speed chase ensued, ending with Dima abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot into the woods. He was apprehended later that day.
Upon entering the Towers’ home, investigators discovered a gruesome scene. The couple was found dead, lying face down in their living room, covered in blood. The crime scene suggested a struggle had taken place in multiple rooms of the house. Dima has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of fleeing law enforcement during an active siren or lights. He is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail, with his arraignment scheduled for November 3.
The Towers, who were unable to have children of their own, had adopted Dima when he was 14. Rines recalled the hardships Dima faced in the Ukrainian orphanage, including physical abuse and malnutrition. Despite his troubled past, the couple tried to provide a loving home for him. However, Dima’s violent tendencies persisted, with Rines noting that Dima seemed more interested in hurting others than in learning to box, a sport he initially showed interest in.
Neighbors and friends remember the Towers as kind and caring individuals. A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the couple’s funeral expenses. As the investigation continues, the motive behind the double homicide remains undisclosed.