Robinson Sentenced to 28 Years in Stepson Stabbing Death

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Harold Robinson, 57, of Bolingbrook, was sentenced recently by Circuit Court Judge Carmen Goodman to 28 years in prison for the 2017 stabbing death of his stepson. Robinson was found guilty of Second Degree Murder (a Class 1 Felony) following a bench trial that concluded November 28, 2023, with a finding that the mitigating circumstance of sudden and intense passion, resulting from a serious provocation, was present.

On June 4, 2017, the victim came to do laundry at a house in the 500 block of Jordan Way in Bolingbrook, where Robinson lived, along with the victim’s cousin. When the victim took his clothing to the washing machine in the basement, Robinson was already downstairs. The two got into an argument, after which the victim went upstairs, and Robinson went outside. After Robinson came back inside, he went into the kitchen and back downstairs. The victim then went back to the basement to check on the laundry.

The victim’s cousin, who lived with Robinson and his wife, heard noise in the basement and went downstairs. He saw the victim on the floor clutching his chest and Robinson holding a knife. Robinson stabbed the victim again near the stairs. The victim ran up the basement stairs, followed by Robinson, who chased the victim around the family room. The victim exited the house and ran across the street along with his cousin, with Robinson following. After reaching a neighbor’s house, they called 911. When officers arrived, they observed blood in the basement, up the stars to the main floor, and into the living room. The stepson later died of his injuries.

“Robinson snuffed out the life of his stepson, a young man in his early twenties, with his life ahead of him,” Glasgow said. “The sanctity of human life is the cornerstone of our civilized society.”

Robinson’s sentence will be served at 50 percent. He will receive 2,444 days credit for time served and will also serve three years mandatory supervised release.