Reward increases for information into 1990 New Haven homicide cold case
The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a 1990 homicide in New Haven has increased.
The homicide investigation started in March 1990. Police were called to 178 Temple Street, Suite 208, in response to a report of a foul odor. First responders found 24-year-old John Robinson dead, with the cause of death being head trauma.
In 1990, then-Gov. William O’Neill approved an initial reward of $20,000 for information on Robinson’s death.
Despite 36 years of investigation, the case remains unsolved.
State’s Attorney John Doyle requested an increase in the reward money from the governor’s office. Gov. Ned Lamont approved the request, upping the reward to $50,000.
Doyle said he hopes the increase will lead to new information from people who may know something but have not yet come forward.
“Members of the public should never underestimate the importance of what they know or assume that investigators already have that information,” Doyle said. “Even a seemingly small detail can be the critical piece that helps investigators solve a case and bring about a successful prosecution.”
The reward would be paid by order of the court upon conviction of the individual(s) responsible.
“Just because a case remains unsolved doesn’t mean it’s ever far from our hearts or our minds,” said New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli. “We’re committed to going back, taking a fresh look, and making sure families know we stand with them and that we will never stop seeing answers with the goal of getting closure and justice to grieving families.
Anyone with information related to the death of John Robinson is asked to call the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6296 or text TIPS to 274637.
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