A 25-year-old facing the death penalty testified on Tuesday, pleading with jurors to spare his life.
Robbi Robinson Jr. returned to court a week after being found guilty on charges in the 2023 death of Brenda Scott, aged 50.
His trial is in the sentencing phase, which allows the defence team to present mitigating evidence to the jury in an attempt to spare Robinson Jr. from the death penalty.
“I am sorry,” Robinson Jr. said on Tuesday. “I am sorry that Brenda is dead and I’m sorry that I am responsible for her death.”
The 25-year-old was found guilty of felonious assault, aggravated arson, and murder.
During his trial, it was determined that Robinson Jr. bashed Scott’s teeth, poured a flammable liquid on her, and started a fire with a lighter, causing her to die from her injuries.
While not under oath, Robinson Jr. provided a statement in court about his domestic situation with Scott.
“I was not happy with my family, I was not happy with my living situation, and I was not happy, I was not happy that Brenda was having a sexual relationship with me, and I was really not happy, and I reacted, and I was instantly regretful,” Robinson, Jr. said. “That’s why I tried to put the fire out with the extinguisher.”
While the defence called Robinson Jr.’s family members to the stand to testify, the 25-year-old contradicted some of their claims.
His mother testified that he had a great relationship with his stepsiblings, but Robinson Jr. claimed he didn’t get along with the majority of them.
Robinson Jr. complained that no one visited him in jail. His family stated that he asked them not to come because it was too difficult for him.
“Even if I could trade my own life to bring her back I would, I really would from the bottom of my heart,” Robinson, Jr. told reporters Tuesday. “But I just wish that you could spare me, you know, give me 25 years to life with parole so I can see my little sister.”
Twenty-five to life with the possibility of parole is the minimum sentence in this case. The death penalty is the most severe sentence.
On Wednesday, the jury is expected to begin deliberations on the appropriate penalty.
