Trial date of alleged “shopping cart murderer” approaches; plea of ​​insanity rejected

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Following an October 2022 request for a psychological evaluation of Anthony Robinson, the alleged “Shopping Cart Killer,” Robinson’s defense has waived the opportunity to plead insanity.

In November 2021, Harrisonburg police found 39-year-old Tonita Lorice Smith of Charlottesville and 54-year-old Allene Elizabeth dead in a vacant lot near Linda Lane. Investigators said the two deaths occurred at different times, but the bodies were disposed of near each other.

Under Virginia law, the defense must provide notice of an insanity motion at least 30 days before trial. Robinson's trial is scheduled to begin on September 23, which passes the deadline to file an insanity motion.

Court documents include several motions to enter evidence and object to the use of evidence during the trial. The prosecutor and Robinson's defense will argue the use of data from online websites and other sources on Sept. 3.

Robinson is accused of:

• Two counts of premeditated murder
• Two cases of concealing a corpse
• One count of aggravated murder

If convicted, Robinson faces multiple life sentences for these crimes.

In further defense motions, Robinson and his legal team requested the removal of the nickname “Shopping Cart Killer,” which had been given to him later in the trial.

Robinson was nicknamed the “Shopping Cart Killer” because, according to investigators, he disposed of some of the bodies using shopping carts.

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