Second evaluation ordered for murder suspect who said he is ‘Supreme Being’
Robinson faces the death penalty if convicted of setting woman on fire.
FAIRFIELD TWP. — Competency remains in question for a Fairfield Twp. man set to stand trial for capital murder this summer after allegedly setting a woman on fire. A second evaluation has been ordered for Robbi Robinson, who told a psychologist he is “the Supreme Being.”
Robinson, 24, is charged with aggravated murder, aggravated arson and feloni- ous assault for the May 11 inci- dent on Arroyo Ridge Court. Robinson was arrested as he attempted to leave the scene.
The victim, Brenda Scott, died of her injuries a few weeks later. Robinson faces the death penalty if con- victed.
Earlier this month, Robin- son, 24, was in Butler County Common Pleas Court, where Judge Keith Spaeth granted a motion for a competency to stand trial evaluation and set a hearing for the results on March 22.
Defense attorneys David Brewer and Lawrence Haw- kins III said in the formal motion filed last week, “Mr. Robinson was so delusional that Dr. Jenny O’Donnell could not complete her eval- uation. Mr. Robinson claimed to be ‘the Supreme Being’ and made other claims that the court had no power over him.”
O’Donnell said the entire interview with Robinson on March 4 was “cold, difficult and painful. She even felt physically uncomfortable due to his demeanor,” the court document states.
During a hearing last week, Spaeth said O’Don- nell found Robinson incom- petent for trial at this time but restorable with treat- ment. Butler County Assis- tant Prosecutor Katie Pride- more requested a second evaluation. Results of that assessment will be reviewed at an April 25 hearing.
Shortly after his arrest last summer, Robinson was evaluated and declared competent.
Spaeth said that at some point, the court will have to have to consider if the competency issue is going to affect the trial date.
In November, the defense requested a continuance of the three-week trial then scheduled to begin in Feb- ruary, citing a preliminary forensic assessment that indicated there is likely an issue with Robinson having a serious mental illness. But to confirm such assessment, more information and assessment was needed.
Spaeth has rescheduled Robinson’s trial to Aug. 26.
Prosecutors say Robinson filled a container with accelerant, took it to an upstairs bedroom, doused the 50-year-old woman with it and lit her on fire. He is also accused of hitting her in the face, knocking out teeth. Scott jumped out a window to escape.
Scott was found on fire in her backyard by a neighbor, who called 911.
Robinson’s initial arraignment in May shed light on some of case details.
Butler County Assistant Prosecutor Katie Pridemore requested the judge set a high bond, outlining the trauma Scott suffered that included two teeth being knocked out by the roots in addition to the burns and injuries from jumping out a second-floor window.