Crime Junkie Episode Summary: "MURDERED: Solomon Robinson"

Podcast: Crime Junkie
Host: Ashley Flowers
Co-Host: Britt Prawat
Episode Title: MURDERED: Solomon Robinson
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Presented by: audiochuck Media Company

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, hosts Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat delve into the unsolved and haunting murder of Solomon Robinson, a young soldier whose brutal death in St. Mary's Park, South Bronx, has remained a mystery for decades. The episode meticulously unpacks the events of that fateful night, the subsequent police investigation, and the lingering quest for justice by Solomon's family.

The Night of the Murder: April 3, 1998

The story begins on a chilly Friday evening in April 1998. St. Mary's Park in the South Bronx is bustling with a lively party attended by approximately a hundred people. Just before 10 PM, chaos erupts when a gunshot rings out.

Ashley Flowers (00:00):
"...the murder of a young soldier home on leave was potentially witnessed by a hundred or so people."

Emergency responders arrive swiftly but find Solomon Robinson lying tragically face down on the grass near the basketball courts. Despite their efforts, Solomon is pronounced dead at 9:50 PM due to a gunshot wound to the chest, multiple stab wounds, and severe facial and neck lacerations.

Key Evidence Found:

• A black Nike skull cap
• A wristwatch
• No weapon or shell casings
• Solomon's wallet and identification are missing

Ashley Flowers (00:03):
"...a young man laying face down on the grass near a pathway that runs past some basketball courts."

Identifying Solomon Robinson

Despite lacking vital identification, the police quickly identify the victim as 19-year-old Solomon Robinson, affectionately known as Solo or Junie to his family. Solomon was a private stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, visiting home for the first time since Thanksgiving.

Britt Prawat (04:04):
"Oh, so just live in that area anymore?"

Solomon's parents, including his mother Edna, are devastated by the loss. The community, familiar with Solomon as a well-liked individual with no ties to gangs or criminal activities, struggles to comprehend why he was targeted.

Initial Investigation and Witness Accounts

Detective Robert Klein, lead investigator on the case, canvasses the area extensively but encounters significant roadblocks. Witnesses are reticent, fearing the stigma of being labeled a "snitch." Initial statements suggest multiple perpetrators, but details are inconsistent and unreliable.

Ashley Flowers (08:06):
"...Solomon wasn't going to that party or hanging out in the park at all. He was just passing through it."

One witness, referred to as "Gail," provides a confusing account of Solomon's movements, claiming he was heading to a corner store rather than the party. Her story raises suspicions due to inconsistencies and a lack of tangible motives like robbery.

Britt Prawat (05:40):
"So had he like still been in the park after playing basketball or was he at that party that was going on so well?"

Breakthroughs and Cold Case Stagnation

Eight months post-murder, in January 1999, Detective Lane receives a promising lead from a narcotics officer named Frank. Frank claims to have witnessed the murder, identifying two cousins, John and William, as the perpetrators. However, discrepancies arise when witness descriptions clash with the suspects' known identities.

Ashley Flowers (17:53):
"But, I mean, it could have been more. When people were calling 911, did they say one shot or like, shots?"

Despite these leads, critical witnesses like Brenda, who corroborates Frank's account, remain uncooperative due to fear and intimidation, causing the investigation to stall and ultimately go cold.

Renewed Efforts and Technological Advances

Fast forward to 2022, Detective Klein, driven by his personal connection as a fellow soldier, reopens Solomon's case. Leveraging advances in forensic technology and federal resources, Klein aims to reinvigorate the investigation. He attempts to reconnect with key witnesses, including Gale, who remains evasive, exacerbating the challenges of securing convictions.

Ashley Flowers (26:42):
"Yes. And unfortunately, she can't or won't explain any of the contradictory statements that she's made in the past."

Simultaneously, the involvement of federal authorities introduces new dynamics, offering potential for more decisive evidence and witness cooperation, but obstacles persist as suspects John and William remain elusive and uncooperative.

The Personal Toll and Ongoing Quest for Justice

The prolonged investigation has taken a significant emotional toll on Solomon's family. With the passing of Solomon's parents and one brother, Russell and cousin Melody continue to advocate for answers and justice. Their unwavering commitment underscores the enduring impact of Solomon's loss and the relentless pursuit of truth within the community.

Ashley Flowers (34:33):
"...if investigators can show that these two acted together, they could both be held accountable for Solomon's murder, regardless of who did what."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Despite years of diligent investigation, the murder of Solomon Robinson remains unresolved. Detective Klein's retirement and the transfer of the case to his partner signal ongoing efforts, but the path to closure remains fraught with challenges. The episode concludes with a poignant reminder of the enduring hope for justice and a call to the community to come forward with any information that could finally shed light on Solomon's tragic death.

Ashley Flowers (34:45):
"...police need help to solve this. Solomon Robinson served his country only to be betrayed by someone in his own community."

The FBI has increased the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the conviction of Solomon's murderer(s), emphasizing the critical need for community assistance in solving this cold case.

Notable Quotes

• Ashley Flowers (00:00):
  "This is the story of Solomon Robinson. It's Friday, April 3, 1998..."

• Britt Prawat (04:04):
  "Oh, so just live in that area anymore?"

• Ashley Flowers (08:06):
  "...Solomon wasn't going to that party or hanging out in the park at all."

• Britt Prawat (05:40):
  "So had he like still been in the park after playing basketball or was he at that party that was going on so well?"

• Ashley Flowers (17:53):
  "But, I mean, it could have been more. When people were calling 911, did they say one shot or like, shots?"

• Ashley Flowers (26:42):
  "Yes. And unfortunately, she can't or won't explain any of the contradictory statements that she's made in the past."

• Ashley Flowers (34:33):
  "If investigators can show that these two acted together, they could both be held accountable for Solomon's murder, regardless of who did what."

• Ashley Flowers (34:45):
  "Police need help to solve this. Solomon Robinson served his country only to be betrayed by someone in his own community."

Final Thoughts

The Crime Junkie episode on Solomon Robinson's murder is a compelling examination of a cold case that intertwines community dynamics, law enforcement challenges, and the enduring pain of loss. Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat skillfully narrate the complexities of the investigation, highlighting both the procedural aspects and the human emotions involved. As the search for answers continues, the episode serves as both a tribute to Solomon and a call to action for listeners to aid in bringing closure to a family long yearning for justice.

For more information and to submit tips, listeners are encouraged to visit crimejunkiepodcast.com and follow Crime Junkie on Instagram @crimejunkiepodcast.