The man who set his father’s fiancée on fire in Butler County has avoided the death penalty, but will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
In early February 2025, a Butler County jury convicted Robbi Robinson Jr., 25, of aggravated murder, arson, and felonious assault.
According to WCPO-9 TV, the jury decided on Thursday, February 27, that Robinson would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
On May 11, 2023, Robinson doused Brenda Scott with accelerant and set her on fire in a home on Arroyo Ridge in Fairfield Township, according to a previous News Center 7 report.
Scott died of her injuries nearly a month later.
During the sentencing phase of the trial, Robinson took the stand to express remorse and assert abandonment.
During the trial, prosecutors presented DNA, video, and audio recordings, as well as testimony from multiple witnesses. Their evidence eventually convinced the jury that Robinson planned and committed the crime.
“The state submits to you that the defendant, at that time, literally bottled up his anger in the form of ignitable liquids, put on his clothes and that big puffer jacket in 70+ degree weather, and that’s when he attacked Brenda,” Butler County Assistant Prosecutor Katherine Pridemore said during closing arguments last week. “He set her on fire.” “He set the house on fire.”
According to WCPO-9 TV, Robinson’s lawyers, David Brewer and Lawrence Hawkins III, failed to present a case during the trial.
Brewer informed the jury that they had no questions for the majority of the witnesses during closing arguments.
“There are facts and evidence. There are various interpretations of the facts, as well as arguments. There are plans to present those facts, interpretations, and arguments at a later date. We want this part of the case to be over, and as a result, we have nothing further to say,” Brewer said.
The defense focused their efforts on the sentencing portion of the trial. Three of Robinson’s family members testified, as did a forensic psychologist who evaluated him.
The psychologist believes Robinson has borderline personality disorder, according to WCPO-9 TV.
Robinson’s youngest sister and mother testified for him, pleading with the jury to be lenient in its sentencing recommendation.
Renee Robinson, the defendant’s mother, described him as a sweet child who had a close relationship with his brothers and sisters growing up.
She went on to say that her marital problems with Robinson’s father had a negative impact on him, and she failed to recognize the “red flags” of his alleged mental health issues.
During Robinson’s nearly 10-minute plea, he stated that aside from his sister, he felt neglected by his family.
“I wish my family had spent more time with me. I feel abandoned and have been alone for a long time. I’ve been in jail since May 11, 2023, almost two years. I spoke with two of my family members over the phone. 99% of it was with my mother, and some was with my younger sister, but not in person.
Nobody has visited me in jail. Nobody has attended any of my court hearings. I am alone. “As you can see, I have no family in court,” Robinson stated.
According to WCPO-9, Robinson maintained an indifferent and almost bored demeanor throughout his murder trial, often exchanging few words with his attorneys and leaning his head into his hands.
“I made the wrong decision, but I am not a bad person. I feel sorry for Brenda Scott’s family. I understand how difficult it is, but if you can find it in your hearts to forgive me, I sincerely apologize…Even if I could give up my own life to bring Scott back, I would. “I really would from the bottom of my heart,” Robinson stated. “I understand that I need to be punished, and I accept responsibility for my actions. I apologize. Please, spare my life. Please give me a sentence for life. All I want is to see my younger sister again, whether it takes 25, 35, 45, or 50 years. All I want is to see my younger sister and share memories with her.”
During his testimony, Robinson claimed he had a “sexual relationship” with Scott. The allegation had not been heard in the case before, and prosecutors were unable to question him because he was not under oath.
“I felt instant regret. “That’s why I tried to put out the fire with the extinguisher,” Robinson explained.
There was no evidence to support this claim, according to WCPO-9 TV .
