GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A judge will allow statements made by a then-15-year-old murder suspect to be used at his trial for allegedly killing a man outside a pharmacy on Green Bay’s west side.
Jeremiah Robinson, now 16, allegedly shot and killed a man outside of the Walgreens on the corner of Oneida and Mason streets on Feb. 18, 2022. Trial is scheduled for April 25 on 11 charges, including first-degree intentional homicide.
Robinson testified last month that although he signed a form, he didn’t understand his Miranda rights — despite also denying officers’ requests to take a DNA sample and to search his phone.
In court Tuesday, Judge Thomas Walsh said he was satisfied Robinson understood his rights, and the statement was voluntary — ruling the statement will be allowed at trial.
Another motion hearing will be held April 24, the day before the trial, on a defense motion to dismiss the case due to the destruction of potentially exculpatory evidence.
Defense attorney Michael Balskus contends multiple officer body cameras did not have their sound recorded, depriving Robinson of evidence in the case.
According to the criminal complaint, Robinson and another man, Jeromy Finke, got into a confrontation with the victim and another man over money during a drug deal. Robinson told police he shot the victim in self-defense after being threatened with brass knuckles. Police have not named the 31-year-old victim who was shot four times.
In Wisconsin, those between 10 and 16 years of age and charged with homicide are prosecuted in adult court. In December, Judge Thomas Walsh denied a request to have the case moved to juvenile court.
Robinson is being held on a $1 million cash bond.
