The city of Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been shaken by the alleged crimes of Anthony Robinson, also known as the „Shopping Cart Killer.“ In October 2022, a motion was made to perform a psychological evaluation on Robinson, which has led to his defense team forgoing the ability to use the insanity plea in his upcoming trial.
The case dates back to November 2021 when Harrisonburg police discovered the bodies of 39-year-old Tonita Lorice Smith from Charlottesville and 54-year-old Allene Elizabeth in an undeveloped lot near Linda Lane. The investigation revealed that the deaths occurred at different times, but the bodies were disposed of near each other, raising suspicions of foul play.
Under Virginia law, a defense must provide notice for an insanity plea at least 30 days before the trial. With Robinson’s trial set to begin on September 23, he has missed the deadline to plead insanity, leaving him to face the charges without this defense strategy.
In court documents, various motions have been made to include evidence and object to the use of certain evidence during the trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney and Robinson’s defense team are set to argue the use of data from online sources and other sources on September 3, highlighting the complexity of the legal proceedings in this case.
Robinson faces serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of concealing a dead body, and one count of aggravated murder. If convicted, he could potentially face multiple life sentences for these heinous crimes, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In a bid to maintain a fair trial, Robinson and his legal team have requested to remove the „Shopping Cart Killer“ nickname that has been associated with him throughout the legal process. This moniker was given to him by investigators who claim that he disposed of some of the bodies using shopping carts, adding a chilling element to the case.
As this is a developing story, updates will be provided on air and online to keep the public informed of the latest details surrounding the trial and proceedings. The community remains on edge as they await justice to be served in this troubling case.
In conclusion, the alleged crimes of the „Shopping Cart Killer“ have sent shockwaves through Harrisonburg, Virginia, prompting a thorough legal process to unfold. With the trial approaching and the stakes high, the community watches closely as justice seeks to prevail in this harrowing case.
