UPDATED: Search Intensifies for Missing Women Robyn DeSort and Denise Rhodes

Vanished Without a Trace — and the Case That Followed

Editor’s note (Updated Sept. 11, 2025): The Saline County Sheriff’s Office says human remains found on Sept. 7, 2025 near the residence of Michael Robert Weser have been identified as Robyn DeSort (34) and Denise Rhodes (59). On Sept. 10, 2025, Weser was arrested without incident and booked on multiple felony charges, including two counts of Capital Murder, Abuse of a Corpse, and Arson, among others. Investigators say interviews, phone records, financial transactions, and physical evidence connected Weser to both women prior to their disappearance and to the abandoned vehicle recovered near Lauren Lane in the Bauxite area. The case remains active; additional details were not released.

Early Investigation into the Disappearance of Robyn DeSort and Denise Rhodes

Location: Saline County, Arkansas
Last seen: Evening of July 8, 2025, together

What began as a missing-persons case quickly escalated. On July 16, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office opened a formal missing-persons case for Denise Rhodes, noting she was believed to be with her neighbor, Robyn DeSort. On July 17, Robyn’s family reported her missing as well. Investigators confirmed Robyn had recently switched from her usual Chevy Trailblazer to a white GMC Yukon.

Authorities initially believed the women intended to travel to Eureka Springs. Evidence later suggested they never arrived.

Troubling Discovery

On July 19, investigators located the abandoned GMC off an ATV trail near Lauren Lane in the Bauxite area. “We have that vehicle now and are processing it for any evidence that may help us in locating these two ladies,” Chief Deputy Dustin Robertson told local media at the time.

Adding to the mystery, Denise’s home burned down on July 12, four days after the women were last seen. Neighbors suspected arson; investigators have now charged Weser with Arson in connection with the case.

A History of Violence

Complicating the investigation was Robyn’s documented history of domestic abuse. In January, she filed an order of protection against her husband, Michael Robert Weser. In February, Weser was arrested on domestic battery, terroristic threatening, and aggravated assault. While a kidnapping charge was dropped, he pleaded guilty to the other counts and received three years’ probation. Notably, his conviction date was July 7—the day before Robyn disappeared. In one of her final Facebook posts, Robyn described extreme abuse, including being held at gunpoint.

Community Concerns

Friends and neighbors were alarmed by the women’s sudden silence. Denise was devoted to her dogs, yet they were left uncared for. Those close to her said she would not abandon her pets and remained in frequent contact with her incarcerated husband, Michael Gatlin, who was nearing release.

A neighbor, speaking anonymously out of fear of retaliation, said bluntly at the time: “There’s foul play here.”

Sept. 2025 Update: Arrest and Identification

• Sept. 7, 2025: Investigators located human remains on property near Weser’s home.

• DNA analysis subsequently confirmed the remains as Robyn DeSort and Denise Rhodes.

• Sept. 10, 2025: Authorities arrested Michael Robert Weser without incident. He faces two counts of Capital Murder, Abuse of a Corpse, Arson, and additional charges.

• Sheriff Rodney Wright thanked community members and numerous agencies—including Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas Probation and Parole, Arkansas State Police, Benton PD, Bryant PD, Grant County Search and Rescue, Little Rock PD, Pulaski County OEM, Magnolia Police Department (TX), Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas Park PD, Salem Fire & Rescue, Saline County OEM—for assistance that helped bring the case to this point.

• Investigators say the case remains active; no further details are being released at this time.

Authorities Seek Public Help

Even with an arrest and identification, detectives continue to gather information. Chief Deputy Robertson emphasized the importance of community awareness throughout the investigation: “We need people to keep their eyes open.”

Call to Action

If you have any information that could aid investigators—tips related to the victims’ movements between July 7–12, activity around Lauren Lane/ATV trails, the GMC Yukon, or anything relevant to the structure fire—contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 501-303-5609 and request to speak with a detective.