In a tragic turn of events, Texas teacher Emily Lambert was found brutally murdered after a weekend visit to her boyfriend in Carlsbad, New Mexico, in March 2014. The 30-year-old, described by family as a devoted mother and educator, went missing after an evening out with her boyfriend, Robert Early, who was employed on an oil rig nearby.
The sequence of events leading to her disappearance began on the evening of March 1, when Lambert and Early were seen at the Stevens Inn bar. Witnesses reported that the couple appeared to be enjoying their time together until they reportedly got into a heated argument. Early claimed that Lambert left the bar alone, intoxicated and upset, and he did not see her again. Alarmed by her absence, Early contacted Lambert’s mother, Donna Koig, two days later, stating that he could not locate her and that her belongings were still in the hotel room.
Upon receiving the distressing news, Koig urged Early to contact the police. He subsequently reported Lambert missing, prompting a response from the Carlsbad Police Department. Detectives Scott Naylor and Blaine Renie arrived at the Stevens Inn to investigate, noting the unusual nature of an adult going missing without a trace. Early’s account during the initial investigation raised suspicions, leading to further scrutiny of his statements.
As detectives delved deeper into the case, they reviewed surveillance footage from the hotel and the bar. The footage revealed Lambert leaving the bar visibly upset just before midnight on March 1. Shortly after, Early followed her out, seemingly agitated. This timeline raised questions about Early’s involvement in her disappearance.
As the investigation unfolded, Early’s inconsistent statements and erratic behavior led police to suspect he was hiding critical information. He agreed to take a polygraph test, which he failed, further complicating his narrative. Eventually, under intense pressure from detectives, Early confessed to a violent confrontation with Lambert in their hotel room, stating that their argument escalated and he struck her multiple times, resulting in her death.
In a chilling confession, Early recounted dragging Lambert’s lifeless body to a remote area and disposing of it in a field. He claimed to have acted out of fear and panic, describing the harrowing details of the incident, including the use of an air pump as a weapon. Following his confession, Early was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence.
The case garnered significant media attention, captivating the public with its tragic details. Emily’s family, devastated by the loss, has taken on the responsibility of raising her two children, striving to honor her memory and provide stability in the wake of the tragedy. Her mother described Emily as a vibrant person who was a dedicated mother, emphasizing the profound impact of her loss on the family.
In May 2015, after a lengthy trial, Robert Early was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary relationships and the devastating effects of domestic violence. Emily Lambert’s legacy continues through her children, who are being raised by her loving family in Bedford, Texas.