Robert Eric Wone was a respected Chinese American lawyer, born in 1974 in Manhattan. A valedictorian and College of William & Mary graduate, he met Joseph Price there in 1992.
Wone worked at Covington & Burling before becoming general counsel at Radio Free Asia in 2006. Married to Katherine Yu, he was active in Asian American advocacy and known for his integrity.
In the heart of Washington, D.C., on a seemingly ordinary summer night in 2006, a horrific crime unfolded that has puzzled investigators, true crime enthusiasts, and the public for nearly two decades.
The question “who killed Robert Wone?” echoes through documentaries, podcasts, and online forums, with no definitive answer in sight.
This case blends elements of mystery, possible cover-ups, and legal intrigue, making it a staple in the true crime genre.
The Fateful Night at 1509 Swann Street
On August 2, 2006, Wone stayed at the Dupont Circle home of Joseph Price, Victor Zaborsky, and Dylan Ward after a late work night. The trio lived in a polyamorous relationship.
Wone arrived around 10:30 PM, chatted, showered, and went to the guest room. At 11:49 PM, Zaborsky called 911, claiming an intruder stabbed Wone.
Paramedics found Wone dead on a pullout sofa with three chest and abdominal wounds. The housemates said they heard noises and found him stabbed, pointing to an intruder via an unlocked back door.
- 10:30 PM: Wone arrives.
- 11:00-11:35 PM: Neighbors hear a scream.
- 11:49 PM: 911 call.
- 11:54 PM: Paramedics arrive; Wone is unresponsive.
- 12:24 AM (Aug 3): Wone pronounced dead.
The Investigation: Twists and Unanswered Questions
Crime Scene Anomalies and Evidence
The scene raised suspicions of tampering. Minimal blood suggested cleaning or death before stabbing. No defensive wounds implied Wone was unconscious or restrained.
Autopsy found needle marks on his neck, chest, and foot, hinting at drugs like ketamine. His own semen was found on his genitals and rectum, suggesting possible assault.
The kitchen knife at the scene didn’t match the wounds and appeared planted. Cadaver dogs detected blood in a dryer lint trap and patio drain, pointing to a cleanup.
Police Response and Legal Proceedings
Police interviewed the housemates, who seemed calm—Price in briefs, others in bathrobes.
By 2007, authorities confirmed scene tampering.
In 2008, Price, Zaborsky, and Ward were charged with conspiracy, obstruction, and tampering, but not murder.
A 2010 bench trial acquitted them; Judge Leibovitz believed they knew the killer but lacked evidence for a conviction. Katherine Wone’s 2008 wrongful death lawsuit was settled in 2011.
Key Figures
- Katherine Wone: Pursued justice, advised by Eric Holder.
- Housemates: Price (lawyer), Zaborsky (marketing), Ward (massage therapist with BDSM interests).
- Forensics: Henry Lee (defense) later discredited elsewhere.
Theories: Who Really Killed Robert Wone?
Housemates Cover-Up Theory
Many believe Wone was drugged, possibly during an assault linked to Ward’s BDSM interests, leading to a fatal reaction.
The trio then staged a stabbing to cover it up. Needle marks, minimal blood, and their post-incident showers support this. Motives include hiding their lifestyle or panic.
Intruder Hypothesis – Debunked?
The housemates’ intruder claim lacks evidence: no forced entry, no theft, and an undisturbed backyard fence with intact cobwebs. The tight timeline makes it improbable.
Alternative Speculations
Some suggest Price’s brother or an accidental death during a consensual act, but no proof exists. Online discussions compare it to cases like the Idaho murders, citing possible bias in the acquittal.
| Theory | Evidence | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housemates Cover-Up | Needle marks, staged knife, cleanup signs | Explains anomalies | No direct proof |
| Intruder | Housemates’ claim | Simple story | No physical evidence |
| Accidental/External | BDSM items, drugs | Fits lifestyle | Speculative |
Where to Watch ‘Who Killed Robert Wone?’ Documentary
SOURCE: Showbiz Junkies
Series Overview
The 2023 Peacock docuseries, directed by Jared P. Scott, spans two episodes (~2 hours) with interviews and case analysis. It’s ideal for fans of true crime like “The Jinx.”
Streaming Platforms (2025)
- Peacock: Primary platform; requires Premium ($5.99/month) or Premium Plus.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available with subscription.
- Apple TV: Stream via the Peacock app.
How to Watch
- Visit Peacock’s website or app and sign up.
- Search for “Who Killed Robert Wone?”
- Stream in HD; expect mature themes with graphic discussions.
Current Status and Why It’s Unsolved: As of August 2025, the case is cold. No new leads since 2011, and non-murder charges are time-barred. Murder has no statute of limitations, but degraded evidence stalls progress. Public interest persists via podcasts and forums.
Final Thoughts
The Robert Wone murder case shows how some crimes resist resolution despite thorough investigation.
After nearly two decades, the three chest wounds that ended his life remain a puzzle that haunts true crime followers.
So what does this mean? Cases like Wone’s remind us that justice isn’t always swift or clear.
The legal system faced limitations when physical evidence couldn’t definitively prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What’s next for you? Stream the Peacock documentary to form your own opinion about what happened that August night.
Join online discussions where amateur detectives continue analyzing every detail. Most importantly, remember that behind every unsolved case is a family still seeking answers.
The mystery of 1509 Swann Street may never be solved, but Robert Wone’s story continues to demand our attention.
