In 2008, Robert and Norma Bean, a respected and beloved couple in their community, were kidnapped, robbed, and murdered in a gravel pit. Who were they, and what happened to them?

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Who were Robert and Norma Bean?

Robert and Norma Bean were a well-respected and beloved couple in their community in Howard City, Michigan. They were known for their kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others whenever needed. They owned a successful trucking business and were actively involved in their church and local events.

According to reports, Bobby Fisk and Timothy Stephan broke into the Beans’ home in Howard City during the late-night hours of October 5, 2008, while the couple slept. The two men stole Norma’s purse, a. 22-caliber gun, and 34 Vicodin tablets. They split the pills and consumed them with alcohol but were unsatisfied with the contents they found inside the purse.

Afterward, Fisk and Stephan, who were drunk and high on pills, returned to the couple’s home, woke them, and demanded money at gunpoint before forcing the couple, still in their pajamas, into their van. The burglars then drove them around to ATM machines, making unsuccessful attempts at withdrawing cash until their accounts were frozen. They then drove to a remote gravel pit, where the shooting occurred.

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Robert and Norma Bean were both shot with a weapon they owned before being left to die in the gravel pit. It was revealed that the couple knew the perpetrators and had previously helped them with resources on multiple occasions.

The couple was found shot to death in the gravel pit about 30 miles from their home. An investigation revealed that the shooters killed the couple after kidnapping them from their house in the early morning hours before arriving at the gravel pit and shooting them.

After an extensive investigation, Bobby Fisk was found guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, house invasion, and felony firearms charges, and was handed two consecutive life sentences along with other additional terms. Timothy Stephan pleaded guilty to two counts of felony murder and was handed two life sentences. Both men are currently serving their sentences in different correctional facilities.