A Franklin County judge issued tough words Tuesday to a 17-year-old youth who shot and killed his friend outside the Ohio Statehouse in 2022, the only murder ever recorded at the historic building.
“You don’t care if you kill, you don’t care if you go to prison,” Judge Julie Lynch said during sentencing. “You put a gun in someone’s hand and they are no longer a child. You are a threat.”
Travon Robinson, now 20, received a 14- to 19-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to unintentional manslaughter with a gun. He will gain credit for over two years already served.
The shooting occurred on May 29, 2022, as a group of teenagers were riding scooters around the Statehouse. Surveillance cameras captured the gathering, although it was difficult to determine exactly what happened. Prosecutors claim Robinson attempted to rob 16-year-old Broderick “BJ” Harper before shooting and fled the scene.
Harper’s father, Broderick Harper Sr., characterized his son as “very energetic, handsome, loved family, and enjoyed playing.” Enjoyed having fun and participating in sports. “Just an all-around good person.”
Family members read victim impact statements in court, explaining how Harper’s death affected their lives.
“He had a way of making everyone around him smile, no matter what kind of day they were having,” according to one letter. “My happiness has been stolen away from me, and I don’t know how to get it back. Every day feels like a fight.
Prosecutor Chris Clark told the court that Robinson’s record demonstrated a pattern of wrongdoing and a lack of remorse.
“There’s a lack of remorse, and there’s a lack of accountability,” says Clark. “When you factor that in and look at his record…” He is a threat to the community since he is continuously in and out of juvenile court, charged with everything from stolen automobiles to guns to robberies.
Robinson did not speak during his sentence. Harper’s father stated that an apology would not have made a difference.
“No, not at all,” he replied. “Apologies, tears, or anything else wouldn’t have mattered. We knew there would be no regret at all.”
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