Harvey Miguel Robinson
Pennsylvania Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Allentown, Pennsylvania
TIME PERIOD
1992-1993
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Harvey Miguel Robinson, born December 6, 1974, is a convicted serial killer currently on death row in Pennsylvania, having committed a series of violent crimes between 1992 and 1993. He was apprehended on December 6, 1993, after a violent spree that resulted in the murders of three women: Joan Burghardt (29), Charlotte Schmoyer (15), and Jessica Jean Fortney (47), as well as the attempted murder of two others, including Denise Sam-Cali, who survived his attack. Following his capture, Robinson was sentenced to death in November 1994; however, his execution has been stayed since April 2006, and he was resentenced to life imprisonment for Burghardt's murder due to his age at the time of the crime. In December 2012, he waived his appeal rights in exchange for a life sentence for the murder of Schmoyer, solidifying his current status in SCI Phoenix. Significant evidence leading to his capture included survivor testimonies and a shootout with police during his arrest, which resulted in injuries that required medical attention.
Harvey Miguel Robinson is believed to have been influenced by a violent upbringing, with speculation that his father's abusive behavior contributed to his criminal path. Investigators and the public theorize that Robinson's early signs of conduct disorder and previous criminal behavior foreshadowed his later violent crimes. Some speculate that his brief incarceration for burglary may have intensified his violent tendencies, leading to the murders shortly after his release.
Harvey Miguel Robinson: America's Youngest Death Row Serial Killer
In the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania, during the early 1990s, a chilling series of crimes unfolded that would mark Harvey Miguel Robinson as one of the youngest serial killers on death row in the United States. Born on December 6, 1974, Robinson's early life was marred by violence and instability, setting the stage for his heinous acts that would terrorize a community and leave a permanent scar on its history.
Early Life: A Prelude to Violence
Robinson's tumultuous beginning was rooted in an abusive household. His father, an alcoholic musician from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, was notorious for his violent tendencies, directing much of his rage towards Robinson's mother. Eventually, she fled, leaving behind a fractured family. The elder Robinson's brutality culminated in the murder of his 27-year-old mistress, Marlene E. Perez, whom he beat so severely that she was almost unrecognizable. This violent legacy was a dark shadow over young Harvey, who was first introduced to the criminal justice system at the tender age of nine.
In school, Robinson displayed severe conduct disorder, characterized by threats and outbursts that only grew more intense with age. Despite early warning signs, the full extent of his path to violence would not be realized until years later.
A Trail of Terror: The Crimes
Robinson's reign of terror began in 1992, with his first known victim, Joan Burghardt, a 29-year-old nurse's aide. The horror continued with the brutal murder of 15-year-old Charlotte Schmoyer in June 1993. Schmoyer, a newspaper carrier for The Morning Call and a student at Dieruff High School, was targeted during her route. The violence escalated with the murder of Jessica Jean Fortney, a 47-year-old grandmother, in July 1993.
Between these murders, Robinson was briefly incarcerated for burglary, serving an eight-month sentence. However, this did little to deter him. Following Schmoyer's murder, a chance traffic stop for speeding nearly led to his capture, but he was released with just a ticket.
Narrow Escapes and Capture
Among Robinson's potential victims were two who survived his brutal assaults. One was a five-year-old girl who endured a horrific ordeal after Robinson broke into her home, raped, and strangled her, leaving her for dead. Miraculously, she survived. Denise Sam-Cali, another victim, managed to escape Robinson's grasp, fleeing outside after he attempted to attack her. In a daring police operation, authorities used Sam-Cali as bait to capture Robinson. The plan led to a dramatic shootout, during which Robinson was wounded.
Robinson's injuries forced him to seek treatment at a local hospital, where law enforcement finally apprehended him on December 6, 1993, his 19th birthday.
The Aftermath: Justice and Resentencing
In November 1994, Harvey Miguel Robinson was sentenced to death, a punishment fitting for the gravity of his crimes. However, the legal saga didn't end there. By April 2006, his execution had been stayed, and he was resentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Joan Burghardt due to his age at the time of the crime. On December 14, 2012, Robinson agreed to waive his appeal rights in the Schmoyer case in exchange for a life sentence.
The legal proceedings continued into the next decade. In December 2013, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania upheld Robinson's death penalty for the murder of Fortney. Then, in October 2019, a judge resentenced him to 35 years to life in prison after he successfully appealed his conviction for Burghardt's murder. The judge, reflecting on the devastation Robinson caused, suggested he consider donating his brain to science, calling it "the one gift you can give."
Today, Robinson remains incarcerated at SCI Phoenix in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania.
Media Portrayals
The chilling saga of Harvey Miguel Robinson's crimes has been depicted in various forms of media. In 1996, the film "No One Could Protect Her," starring Joanna Kerns, dramatized the story with a focus on surviving victim Denise Sam-Cali. His gruesome acts also featured on the Investigation Discovery series "Your Worst Nightmare" in 2015, as well as A&E's "Killer Kids" and Investigation Discovery's "Most Evil" and "Dead of Night."
Legacy and Reflection
Harvey Miguel Robinson's story is a haunting reminder of the depths of human depravity and the enduring impact of violence. As one of America's youngest serial killers on death row, his case continues to be a subject of study and reflection in the annals of true crime history.
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First Murder Committed
Harvey Miguel Robinson murders Joan Burghardt, a nurse's aide.
Second Murder Committed
Robinson murders Charlotte Schmoyer, a 15-year-old newspaper carrier.
Third Murder Committed
Robinson murders Jessica Jean Fortney, a 47-year-old grandmother.
Robinson Apprehended
Robinson is arrested after a shootout with police following an attack.
Sentenced to Death
Robinson is sentenced to death for his crimes.
Death Penalty Stayed
Robinson's execution is stayed as he is resentenced to life imprisonment.
Waives Appeal Rights
Robinson waives his appeal rights in exchange for a life sentence for the Schmoyer case.
Death Penalty Upheld
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania upholds Robinson's death penalty for the Fortney murder.
Resentenced to Life
Robinson is resentenced to 35 years to life in prison after appealing his conviction.
Harvey Miguel Robinson, born December 6, 1974, is a convicted serial killer currently on death row in Pennsylvania, having committed a series of violent crimes between 1992 and 1993. He was apprehended on December 6, 1993, after a violent spree that resulted in the murders of three women: Joan Burghardt (29), Charlotte Schmoyer (15), and Jessica Jean Fortney (47), as well as the attempted murder of two others, including Denise Sam-Cali, who survived his attack. Following his capture, Robinson was sentenced to death in November 1994; however, his execution has been stayed since April 2006, and he was resentenced to life imprisonment for Burghardt's murder due to his age at the time of the crime. In December 2012, he waived his appeal rights in exchange for a life sentence for the murder of Schmoyer, solidifying his current status in SCI Phoenix. Significant evidence leading to his capture included survivor testimonies and a shootout with police during his arrest, which resulted in injuries that required medical attention.
Harvey Miguel Robinson is believed to have been influenced by a violent upbringing, with speculation that his father's abusive behavior contributed to his criminal path. Investigators and the public theorize that Robinson's early signs of conduct disorder and previous criminal behavior foreshadowed his later violent crimes. Some speculate that his brief incarceration for burglary may have intensified his violent tendencies, leading to the murders shortly after his release.
Harvey Miguel Robinson: America's Youngest Death Row Serial Killer
In the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania, during the early 1990s, a chilling series of crimes unfolded that would mark Harvey Miguel Robinson as one of the youngest serial killers on death row in the United States. Born on December 6, 1974, Robinson's early life was marred by violence and instability, setting the stage for his heinous acts that would terrorize a community and leave a permanent scar on its history.
Early Life: A Prelude to Violence
Robinson's tumultuous beginning was rooted in an abusive household. His father, an alcoholic musician from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, was notorious for his violent tendencies, directing much of his rage towards Robinson's mother. Eventually, she fled, leaving behind a fractured family. The elder Robinson's brutality culminated in the murder of his 27-year-old mistress, Marlene E. Perez, whom he beat so severely that she was almost unrecognizable. This violent legacy was a dark shadow over young Harvey, who was first introduced to the criminal justice system at the tender age of nine.
In school, Robinson displayed severe conduct disorder, characterized by threats and outbursts that only grew more intense with age. Despite early warning signs, the full extent of his path to violence would not be realized until years later.
A Trail of Terror: The Crimes
Robinson's reign of terror began in 1992, with his first known victim, Joan Burghardt, a 29-year-old nurse's aide. The horror continued with the brutal murder of 15-year-old Charlotte Schmoyer in June 1993. Schmoyer, a newspaper carrier for The Morning Call and a student at Dieruff High School, was targeted during her route. The violence escalated with the murder of Jessica Jean Fortney, a 47-year-old grandmother, in July 1993.
Between these murders, Robinson was briefly incarcerated for burglary, serving an eight-month sentence. However, this did little to deter him. Following Schmoyer's murder, a chance traffic stop for speeding nearly led to his capture, but he was released with just a ticket.
Narrow Escapes and Capture
Among Robinson's potential victims were two who survived his brutal assaults. One was a five-year-old girl who endured a horrific ordeal after Robinson broke into her home, raped, and strangled her, leaving her for dead. Miraculously, she survived. Denise Sam-Cali, another victim, managed to escape Robinson's grasp, fleeing outside after he attempted to attack her. In a daring police operation, authorities used Sam-Cali as bait to capture Robinson. The plan led to a dramatic shootout, during which Robinson was wounded.
Robinson's injuries forced him to seek treatment at a local hospital, where law enforcement finally apprehended him on December 6, 1993, his 19th birthday.
The Aftermath: Justice and Resentencing
In November 1994, Harvey Miguel Robinson was sentenced to death, a punishment fitting for the gravity of his crimes. However, the legal saga didn't end there. By April 2006, his execution had been stayed, and he was resentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Joan Burghardt due to his age at the time of the crime. On December 14, 2012, Robinson agreed to waive his appeal rights in the Schmoyer case in exchange for a life sentence.
The legal proceedings continued into the next decade. In December 2013, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania upheld Robinson's death penalty for the murder of Fortney. Then, in October 2019, a judge resentenced him to 35 years to life in prison after he successfully appealed his conviction for Burghardt's murder. The judge, reflecting on the devastation Robinson caused, suggested he consider donating his brain to science, calling it "the one gift you can give."
Today, Robinson remains incarcerated at SCI Phoenix in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania.
Media Portrayals
The chilling saga of Harvey Miguel Robinson's crimes has been depicted in various forms of media. In 1996, the film "No One Could Protect Her," starring Joanna Kerns, dramatized the story with a focus on surviving victim Denise Sam-Cali. His gruesome acts also featured on the Investigation Discovery series "Your Worst Nightmare" in 2015, as well as A&E's "Killer Kids" and Investigation Discovery's "Most Evil" and "Dead of Night."
Legacy and Reflection
Harvey Miguel Robinson's story is a haunting reminder of the depths of human depravity and the enduring impact of violence. As one of America's youngest serial killers on death row, his case continues to be a subject of study and reflection in the annals of true crime history.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Harvey Miguel Robinson murders Joan Burghardt, a nurse's aide.
Second Murder Committed
Robinson murders Charlotte Schmoyer, a 15-year-old newspaper carrier.
Third Murder Committed
Robinson murders Jessica Jean Fortney, a 47-year-old grandmother.
Robinson Apprehended
Robinson is arrested after a shootout with police following an attack.
Sentenced to Death
Robinson is sentenced to death for his crimes.
Death Penalty Stayed
Robinson's execution is stayed as he is resentenced to life imprisonment.
Waives Appeal Rights
Robinson waives his appeal rights in exchange for a life sentence for the Schmoyer case.
Death Penalty Upheld
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania upholds Robinson's death penalty for the Fortney murder.
Resentenced to Life
Robinson is resentenced to 35 years to life in prison after appealing his conviction.