July 16, 2012 Update:
Robinson was scheduled to be sentenced Monday, but instead, the judge heard a presentence report. Robinson is now set for sentencing August 20, 2012.
A man was found guilty for his part in a Louisa County shootout. Devonne Robinson was convicted of malicious wounding, shooting at an occupied vehicle and another gun charge.
Forensic experts testified Thursday about the trajectory of the bullets shot. It happened at a birthday party at the Van Club back in November. Robinson approached the victim and shot him five times. The victim returned fire - hitting Robinson twice.
The defense said Robinson fired in self-defense, but the jury didn't agree. Robinson could face up to 33 years in prison. He will be sentenced in July.
Louisa County Commonwealth's Attorney
Press Release
Today, Rusty McGuire announced that Devonne T. Robinson, 23, of Louisa, was found guilty following a 5 hour trial of malicious wounding, shooting at an occupied vehicle and another gun charge for the shooting of the victim on 11/06/2011. All witnesses were attending a birthday party at the Van Club in Louisa County. When the event ended the victim and his passengers returned to his car and an altercation ensued.
At the trial, McGuire only called the victim, in his case-in-chief, to establish that Robinson approached the victim for no apparent reason and shot him five times. The victim returned fire hitting Robinson twice. The defense put on four witnesses, to include the Defendant's girlfriend, who testified that Robinson fired in self defense after being shot first.
Immediately prior to this case, Detective Mark Stanton returned from a 9 week school with the Department of Forensic Sciences where he earned his certification as a forensic technician. Detective Stanton also earned his crime scene certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI.) There are only 55 law-enforcement personnel in the Commonwealth of Virginia who have been certified at this level through the IAI.
In his first forensic testimony since completing the course, he testified about the trajectory of bullets and the casings he found at the scene and in the vehicle. The forensic evidence was completely consistent with the version of the events as explained by the victim. In finding the Defendant guilty, the Court stated "the defense version of the case is wholly inconsistent with the forensic evidence and appeared made up to create a self defense argument."
On speaking of the conviction McGuire said "Louisa is lucky to have the commitment of personnel and resources from the Louisa County Sheriff's Office. Detective Stanton's work prevented a guilty man from going free today."
Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2011 where he faces up to 33 years in prison.
