The common-law wife of a Kalispell murder suspect pleaded not guilty to accusations that she was involved in a burglary and evidence tampering connected to the beating death of 49-year-old Wesley Collins.
Karrolyn Robinson, 19, appeared before Judge Stewart Stadler in Flathead County District Court Tuesday morning to enter her plea.
Robinson’s common-law husband, Robert Lake, 21, is accused of beating Collins to death with hammers along with Jeffrey Nixon, 19, in order to steal his medical marijuana and money on April 12.
Police say Robinson admitted that she, Lake and another person took pot plants from Collins’ apartment. A subsequent search of her apartment yielded more of Collins’ personal belongings, according to court records, including a flat screen television, tools, weight equipment and prescription medications.
Court documents also allege that Robinson knowingly tampered with evidence by telling Lake’s brother to delete all of the text messages off Lake’s phone before she turned it over to authorities. Police say she did the same on her own phone.
Robinson’s attorney asked the court to reduce her $50,000 bond and be released on her own recognizance under the condition that she where a GPS ankle monitor and live at her father’s home in Evergreen.
The attorney argued that since Robinson is the mother of a newborn, she would not leave the area.
Kalispell Police Department Det. Michelle O’Neil, however, told the court that she considered Robison a potential flight risk. While monitoring phone calls between Lake and Robinson at the detention center, O’Neil said the two discussed getting fake identifications.
Robinson’s mother lives in Canada, O’Neil said, noting the potential for fleeing the area.
O’Neil also testified that there are potentially other charges that may be filed against Robinson in connection to the case.
Stadler rejected Robinson’s attempt for lower bond because of the serious nature of the accusations against her.
“I can’t, in good faith, release you on your own recognizance,” Stadler said.
Robinson’s omnibus hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8, with a potential jury trial beginning in October. If convicted, Robinson could spend up to 40 years in prison.
Robinson is also facing robbery charges unrelated to the murder case.
Both Lake and Nixon remain in jail along with their alleged accomplice, 27-year-old Cody Naldrett, who is accused of helping the murder suspects hide Collins’ body in the woods west of Kalispell.
Lake and Nixon could face life in prison if convicted of homicide, robbery and tampering with evidence. Naldrett could be sentenced to 15 years in prison for criminal possession of dangerous drugs and evidence tampering.