"Stumped cops ask public to help solve murder''. New Haven Register. March 22, 1990.

"Stumped cops ask public to help solve murder" by Michael Foley. New Haven Register. 3/22/1990 <--- hyperlinked to full published article

"Investigators have already interviewed dozens of people who knew Robinson, 24, but have been unable to find the trail that could lead them to the killer or killers"

Stumped cops ask public to help solve murder 

 

New Haven Register (CT) 

March 22, 1990  

Author/Byline: Michael Foley 

Police investigators who have spent more than a week searching for a clue that could solve the murder of local musician John Robinson are now asking the public for help.

"We are looking for people who knew the victim and have any information about the incident," Capt. Donald R. Beausejour said Wednesday.

Police with information can call detectives at 787-6304 or 787-6305. They can request confidentiality or remain anonymous, Beausejour said.

Investigators have already interviewed dozens of people who knew Robinson, 24, but have been unable to find the trail that could lead them to the killer or killers.

Robinson's body was found March 14 at about 8:15 a.m. in a small room on the second floor of a two-story Temple Street office building. Robinson's skull was crushed and the state medical examiner ruled that Robinson was killed by several blows to the head with a blunt instrument.

Robinson had rented the room and used it as a rehearsal space for his band, Sold on Murder. He was evicted from the building for non-payment of rent by apparently kept a key and continued to use the room.

Robinson, who was well-known throughout New Haven and was a fixture on the local alternative music scene, rented the room out for a small fee to other local bands who needed practice space. There is access to the room fro, 178 Temple St. or 928 Chapel St.

Beausejour said Robinson was last seen during the afternoon of March 12. Friends told investigators that Robinson was seen walking in the downtown area.

Robinson was probably killed that night in the room, Beausejour said. The exact time of death has not been determined.

Whoever killed Robinson apparently did not break into the room, police said. The lock was not broken and the assailant or assailants locked the door after killing Robinson.

Friends have speculated that it would have taken more than one assailant to kill Robinson. He was 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighed 215 pounds and was muscular.

Police have not found the murder weapon. Investigators determined that a drum set was in the room as of March 9, but was missing when the body was found. The drums have not been found.

Beausejour said he will ask the state to approve a reward.

Robinson's funeral will be held Saturday in Hutchinson, Kan. He was born in Wichita, Kan. A memorial service was held Saturday here, and more than 200 attended.

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transcription end (c) Jackson Newspapers, 1990

"Musician's slaying sparks reward offer". New Haven Register. May 3, 1990

"Musician's slaying sparks reward offer". New Haven Register. 5/3/1990. <--- hyperlinked to full published article

"The state is offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed musician John Robinson in March."

"Unsolved Mystery". New Haven Advocate. April 23, 1990.

"Unsolved Mystery". New Haven Advocate. 4/23/1990. <--- Hyperlinked to full published article.

"Results of the tests, conducted by the State Police Crime Lab in Meriden, could link suspects to the crime"

"Robinson was the victim of the only unsolved murder this year."

from New Haven Advocate, 4/23/1990

"Friends say goodbye to beloved 'Rokked'". New Haven Register. March 18, 1990.

"Friends say goodbye to beloved 'Rokked'" by Paula Brackenbury. March 18, 1990. New Haven Register.  <--- hyperlinked to full published photo and article

"About 200 friends of John Evers Robinson, attending a memorial service at a Yale University chapel Saturday, hugged and openly wept for the man they affectionally called 'Rokked,' who died violently last week at the hands of an unknown assailant."

A friend lost 

 

New Haven Register (CT) 

March 18, 1990  

Author/Byline: Chris Volpe 

Friends of murder victim John Robinson mourned on the steps of Dwight Chapel Saturday. Robinson's body was found Wednesday in a downtown office. See Page A3 (color photo) 

Friends bid goodbye to beloved 'Rokked' 

 

New Haven Register (CT 

March 18, 1990  

Author/Byline: Paula Brackenbury 

 

About 200 friends of John Evers Robinson, attending a memorial service at a Yale University chapel Saturday, hugged and openly wept for the man they affectionately called "Rokked," who died violently last week at the hands of an unknown assailant.

"John's friends were the texture of his life. He had the ability to touch a very rich assortment of lives. We are all shocked and saddened by his absence. We need him to help us deal with our grief," said Bob Osborne, who coached Robinson in the New Haven Youth Soccer League about eight years ago.

"New Haven had three famous rocks - East Rock, West Rock and Rokked," (a symbol for his involvement in rock music pronounced rockhead), said Ben Fussiner, who referred to Robinson as his brother, teacher and protector.

Robinson, 24, was found dead Wednesday in a room in an office building at 178 Temple St., where he had been staying and rehearsing. His skull had been crushed by several blows from a blunt instrument, according to the state medical examiner.

"J.R. had a gift of making you love him whether you wanted to or not," Osborne said.

A vase of flowers nestled in front of a red guitar served as a somber reminder of Robinson's love and close relationship with his music. Robinson played guitar for an underground rock band named Sold on Murder.

As guitarists Josh Gubitz and Claude Cahn, both of New Haven, played "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, and sang the wishful lyrics to their departed friend, loud sobs could be heard throughout the small chapel with few dry eyes left in the crowd.

Struggling with the words and fighting back the tears, Anna Myer of Boston said she had come to "dance with John today." Moving gracefully to the music of Bach, Myer performed an emotional ballet.

"John danced to the often frenzied rhythms of life daily. He swept us along with his emotions. We're still waiting for his smile. We're still stunned and angered by his absence," Osborne said.

"Many might have done more to help John be as kind to his own future as he was to ours. The city of New Haven needs to build a more peaceful city which means more responsibility for all of us," said Douglas Rae, the city's chief administrative officer.

Mayor John C. Daniels led the people in prayer. "On behalf of the entire city, we mourn his death with you," Daniels said.

Robinson's mother, from Wichita, Kan., speaking briefly to the group, said she finally learned the meaning of real love after meeting the people of New Haven, who deeply cared about her son. 

"Bludgeoned man expected death". New Haven Register. March 16, 1990.

"Bludgeoned man expected death" by Michael Foley. New Haven Register. 3/16/1990 <--- hyperlinked to full published article

"John Robinson, 24 once told a friend that people should not be surprised if he met a violent end. Young men die violently all the time in New Haven, Robinson said. Since he was a young black man, he thought the odds were good that he would become a victim. It turns out that he was right."

"Teen shot on downtown" New Haven Register. March 15, 1990.

 "Teen shot on downtown." by Michael Foley and John Mongillo, Jr. New Haven Register. 3/15/1990 <--- hyperlinked to copy of published article.

"In an unrelated case, the body of a 24-year-old man with a crushed skill was found Wednesday morning in a small office at 178 Temple Street. The body had been locked in the office for several days."

John E. Robinson Obituary. New Haven Register. March 17, 1990

"John E. Robinson, found dead in office". New Haven Register. 3/17/1990.  <-- hyperlinked to copy of art

"Mr. Robinson was born in Witchita, May 10, 1965. a son of Jerold Robinson of Boston and Frances Calloway Johnson of Wichita. He lived in New Haven for the past 12 years and attended Southern Connecticut State University."