Sikeston man gets 50 years for 2008 home invasion

BENTON, Mo. -- Following emotional testimony from family members of the victim, a Sikeston, Mo., man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for a 2008 robbery and home invasion.

Maurice Robinson was sentenced by Judge David Dolan to 30 years in prison on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary with the sentences to run concurrently. He was sentenced to an additional 20 years in prison on a charge of armed criminal action; that sentence is to run consecutively to the first charges.

At the Tuesday sentencing hearing, three family members testified about the toll of the Dec. 7, 2008, incident that resulted in the death of Linnie Andrews some days later from injuries he received.

Linda Tanksley, Andrews' sister, told the court her "Christmases will never be the same," according to Scott County prosecutor Paul Boyd. She requested the maximum sentence allowed for breaking into the house, robbing and assaulting her brother.

Also asking for the maximum sentence was another sister, Marlene Granger. Citing the pain her family has to endure as result of her brother's death, she told Robinson: "You are not God. You are not. I just hope and pray you get the max."

Alice Adams, who was Andrews' aunt told the court her life will never be the same following her nephew's death.

"Jack was like a son to me," she testified. "He has been in my life ever since he was 2 years old. And every morning, he would call me and say, 'Auntie, what you want to eat?' I don't have that anymore. ... I'm totally blind. ... I depend on my family. ... He is not there anymore. So what can I do? I have to go alone by myself."

At the hearing, Robinson's attorney requested a light sentence.

Robinson said he was sorry for the loss to the Andrews' family but denied being guilty of the charges.

Boyd argued for the two 30-year concurrent sentences and the 20-year consecutive sentence. The prosecutor cited Robinson's actions in this case and criminal history including multiple prior felonies and other contacts with law enforcement.

The earliest Robinson will be eligible for parole is in 2036.

"Nothing will bring Mr. Andrews back. Our hearts go out to the family for their loss," Boyd said. "However, the sentence was just and reasonable. The citizens in Scott County won't have to worry about Mr. Robinson leading any home invasions and robberies for quite awhile."

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.