Man accused of stabbing 2 with screwdriver found guilty but mentally ill

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – A Clinton County jury heard final arguments in the attempted murder case of 63-year-old Reginald Robinson Friday and have found him guilty but mentally ill.

The jury found Robinson guilty but mentally ill on all eight charges, including two attempted murder charges in the stabbing of Gladys Brewer and her great-granddaughter Madyn Lanum outside the Frankfort library in 2013, according to 24-Hour News 8 sister station WLFI-TV.

Both sides presented final arguments before handing over the case to the jury who started deliberation around noon.

In the state’s final arguments, the prosecution said Robinson knew what he was doing. The prosecution pointed out shortly after the alleged crime, he told a nearby gardener to call police. The state said it doesn’t deny Robinson may be mentally ill and asked the jury to find him either guilty or guilty but mentally ill of all eight charges he faces.

The defense asked the jury to find Robinson not guilty by reason of insanity. The defense pointed out he’s had a long history of mental illness and claims at the time of the crime Robinson could not appreciate the crime because of his mental illnesses. However, the defense said they do not dispute the stabbing happened.

Earlier this week a psychiatrist told the jury he believes Robinson suffers from severe schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder. He said it’s his opinion Robinson was legally insane at the time of the stabbing. He continued saying Robinson told him about an elaborate conspiracy theory where he is being watched and followed by everyone in Frankfort.

Robinson told the psychiatrist when he heard Lanum making noise outside the library it was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and he snapped.

After close to three hours of deliberation, the verdict decided was guilty but mentally ill.

Robinson’s sentencing has been set for May 1.