HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – After a motion was filed in October 2022 to give suspected “Shopping Cart Killer” Anthony Robinson a psychological exam, Robinson’s defense team waived their right to argue insanity.
In November 2021, Harrisonburg police found 39-year-old Tonita Loris Smith and 54-year-old Alene Elizabeth, both of Charlottesville, dead in an undeveloped vacant lot near Linda Lane. Investigators say the deaths occurred at different times, but the bodies were disposed of near each other.
Under Virginia law, the defense must file an insanity plea at least 30 days before trial, and Robinson missed the deadline for an insanity plea, with his trial set to begin on September 23.
Court documents include several motions to introduce evidence or challenge the use of evidence during the trial. The state’s attorney and Robinson’s defense are scheduled to argue on Sept. 3 over the use of data from an online website.
Robinson is charged with:
Two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of concealing a body, and one count of aggravated murder.
If convicted, Robinson could face multiple life sentences.
In other motions filed by the defense, Robinson and his lawyers asked that the nickname “Shopping Cart Killer” given to him be removed for the remainder of the legal proceedings.
Investigators allege Robinson used a shopping cart to dispose of the body parts, earning him the nickname “The Shopping Cart Killer.”
This is a developing story and we will provide updates on air and online.
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