Life Without: The Questionable Conviction of David Robinson | Southeast Missourian newspaper, Cape Girardeau, MO

The Questionable Conviction of David Robinson

Exclusive investigative report by the Southeast Missourian

David Robinson has served 16 years of a life sentence for the murder of Sheila Box. But did he do it? Two witnesses have recanted, and another man confessed to the murder. As Robinson’s appeal has now reached the Missouri Supreme Court, Robinson continues his “Life Without” freedom, his family and … parole. Watch our exclusive investigative video series and examine the details of this perplexing case.

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Chapter 1, the confession

By Ben Kleine ~ Southeast Missourian

In August 2004, Butch Johnson, an investigator with the Missouri Public Defender's office, sat down with 21-year-old Romanze Mosby in an interview room at South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Missouri. Johnson sought to elicit information that could help his client, David Robinson, then 36, of Sikeston, Missouri...

Chapter 2, the star witness recants

By Ben Kleine ~ Southeast Missourian

The lawyers for David Robinson expected Albert Baker, 40 at the time, to recant under oath at an appeal Nov. 5, 2004. Two months prior, Baker had sat down and talked with investigator Butch Johnson. He did not submit to be recorded, and he did not sign an affidavit. But Baker agreed to recant and offered remorse for lying and pinning Sheila Box's...

Chapter 3, a second witness recants his testimony

By Ben Kleine ~ Southeast Missourian

David Robinson's secondary education was supplemented with time behind bars. One of the lessons of which he was aware was to be careful what you say and who you say it to in the Scott County Jail. "I know how Scott County roll," Robinson says. "They like doing that jailhouse-informant thing."...

Chapter 4, Robinson's shaky defense

By Ben Kleine ~ Southeast Missourian

David Robinson fidgets a bit as he puts on the microphone for his second interview with reporters. The setting is the same as his first interview, the family room at Jefferson City Correctional Center. Robinson meets with a reporter and two photographers without restraints. He wears gray sweats and a white T-shirt. He has been afforded some...

Chapter 5, the fallout

By Ben Kleine ~ Southeast Missourian

Nobody involved knew much about Sheila Box. David Robinson says he never had heard her name until he was charged with her murder. Albert Baker testified he had seen her buy crack with two children in a Suburban on July 4, 2000 -- a month before her killing -- but did not know her name...

Chapter 6, Why is Robinson still in prison?

By Ben Kleine ~ Southeast Missourian

By the end of the evidentiary hearing May 15, 2015, the lawyers for David Robinson thought they had presented an ironclad case for actual innocence. The two witnesses in the case had recanted under oath, and they had a confession from a man who was not their client. Robinson's lawyers, Jim Wyrsch and Jonathan Potts, said Robinson's case was the...

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Editorial: Insight on reporting the 'Life Without' series

Today, our newspaper begins a series of stories on the murder conviction of David Robinson. It is a long story. We will present it over four days in print, and in six parts in video. Robinson was convicted of shooting Sheila Box on Aug. 5, 2000. Our investigation began, in some respects, in 2009, when the case was first brought to the attention of...

Kezer: Truth matters, victims matter, David Robinson matters

Editor's note: Josh Kezer was wrongly convicted for the 1992 murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless in Scott County, Missouri. Judge Richard G. Callahan, now the 47th United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, declared his "actual innocence" in 2009. For more coverage of Kezer's exoneration, please go to semissourian.com/lawless. For...

Column: What does the AG's office believe? Innocence or a wild conspiracy?

The State of Missouri's case against David Robinson is in shambles. The prosecution's star witness has recanted his testimony. A second witness, who was never credible in the first place, has recanted his testimony. And, before killing himself, another man confessed on audio tape that he killed Sheila Box.

Photo Gallery: David Robinson Freedom March

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, along with supporters, make a stop in the parking lot of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters prepare to march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Betty Sharp chants along with fellow protestors outside the Sikeston Department of Public Safety on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters make a stop outside the Sikeston Department of Public Safety on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com People gather together in prayer on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ivory Robinson walks along Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ivory Robinson, left, Jennett McCaster, center, and Larry McClellon listen to music on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, left, praises during a group prayer on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A tearful Justin Robinson, David Robinson's brother, embraces his mother, Jennett McCaster, right, and another family member on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, left, praises during a group prayer on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A tearful Eddie Moon walks away after showing his support for David Robinson and his family on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A tearful Eddie Moon walks away after showing his support for David Robinson and his family on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Friends and family gather one-by-one to show their support to Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A tearful Bridgett Patterson watches as friends and family lineup to show their support for her mother, Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, and her family on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, tears up while embracing Trinidy, left, and Alaysia Cox on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A tearful Justin Robinson, David Robinson's brother, embraces his mother, Jennett McCaster, right, and another family member on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Poochie Robinson holds Justice Robinson as they watch supporters surround Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 before the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson supporters march through the streets of Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, during the David Robinson Freedom March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Bridgett Patterson, David Robinson's sister, jokes with Larry McClellon in Sikeston, Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, after the David Robinson Freedom March.

Photo Gallery: David Robinson and Family

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, and David Robinson's nephew, Maliek Patterson, visit outside McCaster's Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Robinson holds then seventh-month-old Justice, outside his mother's Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, is seen during an interview with the Southeast Missourian outside her Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Robinson, David Robinson's brother, poses for a portrait outside their mother's Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Agnes Mason stands outside the house at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Mason was at the house for a fish fry on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Dora Yarber sits outside her home at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Yarber hosted a fish fry on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ella Sumlin sits outside the house at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Sumlin was at the house for a fish fry on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Agnes Mason poses for a portrait outside the house at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Mason was at the house for a fish fry on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Denise Mills poses for a portrait in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Mills said she was at her uncle's house at 333 Dixie Street for a fish fry on Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson states he was at a fish fry at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson states he was at a fish fry at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gloria Faye Marshall sits on the picnic table outside the house at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Marshall was at the house for a fish fry on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gloria Faye Marshall poses for a portrait outside the house at 333 Dixie Street in Sikeston, Missouri in September. Marshall was at the house for a fish fry on the night of Aug. 5, 2000.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, is seen during an interview with the Southeast Missourian outside her Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, is seen during an interview with the Southeast Missourian outside her Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, listens as her son Justin is interviewed by the Southeast Missourian about his brother outside McCaster's Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, holds then seventh-month-old Justice Robinson outside her Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennett McCaster, David Robinson's mother, is seen during an interview with the Southeast Missourian outside her Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Robinson holds then seventh-month-old Justice, outside his mother's Sikeston, Missouri home in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson's family poses for a photo outside his mother's Sikeston, Missouri home in September. Pictured from left to right, back row, Justin Robinson, Bridgett Patterson, Kingston Patterson, 3, Marcus Robinson and Larry McClellon; Middle row, Jamia Robinson, then seven-month-old Justice Robinson, Monica Robinson, Jennett McCaster, Jamonica Robinson: front row, Maliek Patterson.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Larry McClellon, David Robinson's uncle, poses for a portrait in Sikeston, Missouri in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson poses for a portrait in the visiting area inside Jefferson City Correctional Center in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson sits in the visiting area inside Jefferson City Correctional Center during an interview with the Southeast Missourian in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson poses for a portrait in the visiting area inside Jefferson City Correctional Center in September.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com David Robinson poses for a portrait in the visiting area inside Jefferson City Correctional Center in September.

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