Oregon vs. Joel Abbott The Victim — Carolann Payne, Abbott’s girlfriend, who disappeared in 1985 The Evidence — The prosecution presented testimony from friends and acquaintances who recalled Abbott having a history of violent altercations with women. However, key testimony came from a police informant, Abbott’s friend Francis Lewis, who secretly tape-recorded conversations in which Abbott indicated he had shot Payne and buried her where no one would find her.My old neighbor Josh Marquis (in Oregon) prosecuted this case (which was on the link you have) and the guy was found guilty w/o the body ever being found. I am sure the fact that he has denied any other involvment to the police and with this new g/f surfacing, they have every reason to bring him in and open this new "can of worms". Verdict — Abbott was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison