On a fateful evening in August 1996, a dispute over money at the Rosewood Boat Landing in Columbia, South Carolina, escalated into a tragic incident that would leave a family searching for answers for decades. Jack L. Robinson, a man known for his jovial spirit and kindness, was fatally stabbed following an altercation with an unidentified suspect. Despite the passage of years, the case remains unsolved, a lingering question mark in the annals of Richland County‘s criminal history.
The Incident That Changed Everything
The altercation that led to Jack L. Robinson‘s untimely death occurred on August 17, 1996. Witnesses at the scene reported an argument between Robinson and a Hispanic male, which culminated in Robinson being stabbed. Desperate for help, Robinson managed to seek assistance before succumbing to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approximately 25 to 35 years old at the time, with an olive complexion, standing about 5’5″ tall, and weighing between 150-180 pounds. This description places the suspect’s current age between 50 to 60 years. Despite the detailed description and the efforts of law enforcement, the individual responsible for Robinson’s death has eluded capture, leaving the case cold but not forgotten.
A Family’s Undying Hope
In the years following her father’s murder, Tammy Robinson has been at the forefront of the quest for justice. Refusing to let her father’s story fade into obscurity, Tammy has utilized social media and other platforms to raise awareness about the case. By sharing the suspect’s sketch and details of the incident, she hopes to unearth new information that might lead to a breakthrough.
Approximately a year after Robinson’s murder, an arrest seemed to promise a resolution. A man charged with the deaths of a woman and her niece, found near the same boat ramp, was also considered a suspect in Robinson’s case. Circumstantial evidence linked him to the scene, but without physical evidence, charges specifically relating to Robinson’s murder were not pursued. It was only years later, through a cold case website, that Robinson’s family learned the suspect had been cleared of involvement in Jack’s death due to new evidence.
A Continuing Investigation
Today, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Cold Case Unit remains dedicated to solving Jack L. Robinson’s murder. Sgt. Kevin Isenhoward and his team encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The Midlands Crime Stoppers Tipline offers a way for individuals to provide anonymous tips, with the possibility of a reward for information leading to an arrest.
A Legacy of Love and Persistence
Jack L. Robinson’s story is more than a cold case; it’s a testament to the enduring love of a family and their refusal to let the quest for justice be forgotten. Tammy Robinson’s relentless pursuit of answers serves as a beacon of hope for others facing the anguish of unsolved crimes. As the years pass, the determination to find closure and accountability remains undiminished.
The mystery of Jack L. Robinson’s murder is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done in solving cold cases and bringing peace to families affected by such tragedies. It underscores the importance of community involvement, the persistence of loved ones, and the dedication of law enforcement to solving crimes that seem to defy resolution. In the memory of Jack L. Robinson, the search for justice continues, a poignant narrative of loss, love, and the unyielding hope for answers.