Adrian O'Neill Robinson is shown in an undated file photo released by the FBI

GEORGIA. GUILTY PLEA IN NUN KILLING MEANS MAN SPARED DEATH PENALTY

July 1, 2005: Adrian O. Robinson of Hamilton pleaded guilty in Harris County Superior Court to 19 crimes, avoiding a possible death penalty, with the understanding he will never be released from prison. Robinson, 27, was sentenced by Judge Bobby Peters to two life sentences without parole for the murder of his father, Henry Robinson Jr., who was shot 16 times -- 15 times in the head, and for the kidnapping of two nuns, Sister Philomena Fogarty, 68, whose body was decapitated, and Sister Lucie Kristofik, who was 72 at the time but escaped, alerting police. The deal acknowledges the church request that he not be put to death. The crimes began March 23, 2003, and ended four days later with the assailant's capture in Virginia.
Robinson also was sentenced to five life sentences plus 106 years for other offenses that included kidnapping, armed robbery and aggravated assault. Each sentence imposed is to run consecutively and also consecutively to sentences he received in Virginia when he pleaded guilty in June 2003 to charges including capital murder and abduction. Under an agreement between the governors of Georgia and Virginia, he is being returned to Virginia to serve his sentences imposed there. Robinson has no chance of parole under Virginia law.
Family members said Robinson was mentally ill, and they also opposed the death penalty.
Edward Robinson, the brother of Robinson's slain father, stood in court to address his nephew Friday. "I love you. I forgive you and I want you to know that," he said.
Father Ronnie Madden, priest in charge at Christ the King Catholic Church, thanked the district attorney's office for accepting the plea without seeking the death penalty.
"This is a day that hopefully will begin the healing process" Madden said. (Sources: Associated Press, 02/07/2005)