After the onset of the outbreak, Abraham was present with his family alongside several of their neighbours in Houston where together they holed themselves up inside a local grocery store. However upon returning from a supply run, Abraham discovered that his once trusted comrades had raped his wife in his absence, causing Abraham to brutally retaliate, (killing four men in the process.) This event was witnessed by his family whom became traumatized by his actions to where eventually they decided to leave him out of fear.
After reading a note left behind, Abraham desperately searched for his family until he tragically discovered that his family had been devoured by walkers on the road; devastated by the loss of his entire family Abraham swiftly attempted to commit suicide only to be fatefully alerted by
Eugene Porter whom he saved from three pursuing walkers whom Eugene then proposed to him an important mission. Upon being informed (under the unknowingly false pretence) of Eugene's ability to develop a cure - this led Abraham to a regained sense of purpose and thus he personally vowed to help deliver him to their intended destination - Washington D.C.