Robison Family Murders
Unsolved Family Mass Murder
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Good Hart, Michigan
TIME PERIOD
June 25, 1968
VICTIMS
6 confirmed
On June 25, 1968, the Robison family, consisting of Richard Carl Robison, his wife Shirley, and their four children, were brutally murdered in their Lake Michigan holiday cottage in Good Hart, Michigan. The victims were discovered on July 22, 1968, with evidence indicating they were shot with a .22-caliber AR-7 rifle and a .25-caliber Beretta pistol, and two of the victims were also bludgeoned with a hammer. Joseph Raymond Scolaro III, a senior employee of Richard Robison, emerged as the prime suspect due to circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime, particularly his alleged embezzlement from Robison's business. Despite the investigation by the Michigan State Police and Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Scolaro committed suicide in March 1973 before any charges could be filed, leaving the case unresolved. The Robison family murders remain officially open and are considered one of Michigan's most notorious unsolved mass murders.
Many believe that Joseph Raymond Scolaro III, a senior employee of Richard Robison, was the perpetrator of the murders due to circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime and his motive related to embezzlement. Speculation also exists that Scolaro's suicide in 1973 was prompted by the discovery of further evidence against him, suggesting he feared imminent prosecution. Some theories propose that the murders were premeditated to conceal his financial misconduct.
The Robison Family Murders: A Chilling Mystery from Michigan's Past
A Tranquil Setting Turned Grim
In the serene and secluded resort area of Good Hart, Michigan, the tranquility was shattered by a gruesome discovery on July 22, 1968. The Robison family, comprising Richard and Shirley Robison and their four children, had been brutally murdered in their vacation home. This affluent family from Lathrup Village had embarked on their annual retreat to the Blisswood Resort community, staying at their cherished Summerset Cottage, nestled in the woods along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The Robison Family: A Portrait of Success
Richard Carl Robison, born in Wayne County, Michigan, in November 1925, was a man of accomplishments. Alongside his wife Shirley, whom he met in college, they had built a life of affluence. Married in 1947, the couple had four children: Richard Jr., Gary, Randall, and Susan. Richard's professional life was equally impressive; he founded R. C. Robison & Associates, an advertisement agency, and was the executive and publisher of Impresario magazine. Their lifestyle was marked by wealth, evidenced by their private Learjet and residence in the upscale suburb of Lathrup Village.
A Summer Vacation Like No Other
The Robisons commenced their vacation on June 16, 1968, traveling in two cars to their beloved summer home. Accompanying them were several friends and acquaintances who stayed in nearby rented homes. Among those aware of the Robisons' plans and the secluded location of their cottage were senior employees of Impresario magazine. However, the vacation took a tragic turn when Norman James Bliss, a close friend of the Robison boys, died in a motorcycle accident on June 23. The Robisons, upon learning of this tragedy, offered their condolences but informed that they would soon be traveling for business and would not return until mid-July.
The Day of the Murders: June 25, 1968
On the fateful morning of June 25, Richard Robison Sr. was engaged in a series of calls concerning a substantial financial discrepancy in his business accounts. Frustrated by the missing $200,000, Richard made multiple attempts to contact Joseph Raymond Scolaro III, a senior employee with access to company funds. Meanwhile, routine activities continued at the cottage until around 4:30 p.m., marking the last confirmed sighting of the family alive.
A Heinous Crime Unfolds
That evening, the tranquility of Summerset Cottage was shattered. Investigators later concluded that the murders began with shots fired through a rear window at Richard Robison Sr. as he sat unsuspectingly. The assailant, using a .22-caliber AR-7 rifle and a .25-caliber Beretta pistol, entered the cottage and systematically executed the family. Richard Jr. and Gary were likely the last to die, possibly trying to defend their family. The violence was further underscored by the use of a claw hammer on Susan and Richard Sr., although there were minimal signs of struggle.
The Discovery
One month later, on July 22, the bodies were discovered by Chauncey Bliss, the resort owner, after a neighbor complained of a foul odor. The scene that met the authorities was horrific. The decomposition, accelerated by the cottage's heating, had obliterated potential evidence. Richard Sr.'s body lay in the hallway, intermingled with those of his children, marked by gunshot wounds and, in two cases, blunt force trauma.
The Investigation Begins
The investigation quickly ruled out robbery and sexual assault as motives. Instead, the focus turned to the premeditated nature of the crime, likely committed by someone known to the family. Joseph Scolaro emerged as the prime suspect. A Harvard graduate and veteran, Scolaro was a trusted employee left in charge of Robison's businesses during the family's vacation. However, he had no credible alibi for the critical hours of June 25, and his boots matched a bloody footprint at the scene.
A Suspect Under Scrutiny
Scolaro's behavior and financial discrepancies raised red flags. He had abruptly left his office on the day of the murders, with no clear whereabouts until late that night. Further investigation revealed that Scolaro had embezzled funds from the company, a fact Richard Robison was beginning to uncover.
The Case Unravels
Despite the circumstantial evidence against Scolaro, legal proceedings were hampered by insufficient direct evidence. The case took a grim turn in March 1973 when Scolaro, facing imminent indictment, took his own life. His suicide left many questions unanswered, and the case officially remains open, with Scolaro as the sole suspect.
Legacy of a Tragedy
At the time, the Robison family murders were the worst mass murder in Michigan's history. The case remains a chilling reminder of how quickly a serene summer vacation can descend into horror, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and a community forever haunted by this unsolved mystery.
Sources
For more detailed information, you can visit the original Wikipedia article.
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...
Robison Family Murdered
The Robison family is shot and bludgeoned to death in their cottage.
Bodies Discovered
The bodies of the Robison family are found by the caretaker of the resort.
Investigation Report Completed
Michigan State Police submit a 700-page report implicating Joseph Scolaro.
Charges Not Filed
Prosecutors rule insufficient evidence to charge Scolaro despite strong circumstantial evidence.
Scolaro Commits Suicide
Joseph Scolaro, prime suspect, commits suicide before potential indictment.
Suicide Notes Found
Two suicide notes are discovered, one denying involvement in the Robison murders.
Case Becomes Inactive
The investigation into the Robison murders becomes largely inactive following Scolaro's death.
Case Remains Open
The Robison family murders remain officially open, with Scolaro as the prime suspect.
On June 25, 1968, the Robison family, consisting of Richard Carl Robison, his wife Shirley, and their four children, were brutally murdered in their Lake Michigan holiday cottage in Good Hart, Michigan. The victims were discovered on July 22, 1968, with evidence indicating they were shot with a .22-caliber AR-7 rifle and a .25-caliber Beretta pistol, and two of the victims were also bludgeoned with a hammer. Joseph Raymond Scolaro III, a senior employee of Richard Robison, emerged as the prime suspect due to circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime, particularly his alleged embezzlement from Robison's business. Despite the investigation by the Michigan State Police and Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Scolaro committed suicide in March 1973 before any charges could be filed, leaving the case unresolved. The Robison family murders remain officially open and are considered one of Michigan's most notorious unsolved mass murders.
Many believe that Joseph Raymond Scolaro III, a senior employee of Richard Robison, was the perpetrator of the murders due to circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime and his motive related to embezzlement. Speculation also exists that Scolaro's suicide in 1973 was prompted by the discovery of further evidence against him, suggesting he feared imminent prosecution. Some theories propose that the murders were premeditated to conceal his financial misconduct.
The Robison Family Murders: A Chilling Mystery from Michigan's Past
A Tranquil Setting Turned Grim
In the serene and secluded resort area of Good Hart, Michigan, the tranquility was shattered by a gruesome discovery on July 22, 1968. The Robison family, comprising Richard and Shirley Robison and their four children, had been brutally murdered in their vacation home. This affluent family from Lathrup Village had embarked on their annual retreat to the Blisswood Resort community, staying at their cherished Summerset Cottage, nestled in the woods along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The Robison Family: A Portrait of Success
Richard Carl Robison, born in Wayne County, Michigan, in November 1925, was a man of accomplishments. Alongside his wife Shirley, whom he met in college, they had built a life of affluence. Married in 1947, the couple had four children: Richard Jr., Gary, Randall, and Susan. Richard's professional life was equally impressive; he founded R. C. Robison & Associates, an advertisement agency, and was the executive and publisher of Impresario magazine. Their lifestyle was marked by wealth, evidenced by their private Learjet and residence in the upscale suburb of Lathrup Village.
A Summer Vacation Like No Other
The Robisons commenced their vacation on June 16, 1968, traveling in two cars to their beloved summer home. Accompanying them were several friends and acquaintances who stayed in nearby rented homes. Among those aware of the Robisons' plans and the secluded location of their cottage were senior employees of Impresario magazine. However, the vacation took a tragic turn when Norman James Bliss, a close friend of the Robison boys, died in a motorcycle accident on June 23. The Robisons, upon learning of this tragedy, offered their condolences but informed that they would soon be traveling for business and would not return until mid-July.
The Day of the Murders: June 25, 1968
On the fateful morning of June 25, Richard Robison Sr. was engaged in a series of calls concerning a substantial financial discrepancy in his business accounts. Frustrated by the missing $200,000, Richard made multiple attempts to contact Joseph Raymond Scolaro III, a senior employee with access to company funds. Meanwhile, routine activities continued at the cottage until around 4:30 p.m., marking the last confirmed sighting of the family alive.
A Heinous Crime Unfolds
That evening, the tranquility of Summerset Cottage was shattered. Investigators later concluded that the murders began with shots fired through a rear window at Richard Robison Sr. as he sat unsuspectingly. The assailant, using a .22-caliber AR-7 rifle and a .25-caliber Beretta pistol, entered the cottage and systematically executed the family. Richard Jr. and Gary were likely the last to die, possibly trying to defend their family. The violence was further underscored by the use of a claw hammer on Susan and Richard Sr., although there were minimal signs of struggle.
The Discovery
One month later, on July 22, the bodies were discovered by Chauncey Bliss, the resort owner, after a neighbor complained of a foul odor. The scene that met the authorities was horrific. The decomposition, accelerated by the cottage's heating, had obliterated potential evidence. Richard Sr.'s body lay in the hallway, intermingled with those of his children, marked by gunshot wounds and, in two cases, blunt force trauma.
The Investigation Begins
The investigation quickly ruled out robbery and sexual assault as motives. Instead, the focus turned to the premeditated nature of the crime, likely committed by someone known to the family. Joseph Scolaro emerged as the prime suspect. A Harvard graduate and veteran, Scolaro was a trusted employee left in charge of Robison's businesses during the family's vacation. However, he had no credible alibi for the critical hours of June 25, and his boots matched a bloody footprint at the scene.
A Suspect Under Scrutiny
Scolaro's behavior and financial discrepancies raised red flags. He had abruptly left his office on the day of the murders, with no clear whereabouts until late that night. Further investigation revealed that Scolaro had embezzled funds from the company, a fact Richard Robison was beginning to uncover.
The Case Unravels
Despite the circumstantial evidence against Scolaro, legal proceedings were hampered by insufficient direct evidence. The case took a grim turn in March 1973 when Scolaro, facing imminent indictment, took his own life. His suicide left many questions unanswered, and the case officially remains open, with Scolaro as the sole suspect.
Legacy of a Tragedy
At the time, the Robison family murders were the worst mass murder in Michigan's history. The case remains a chilling reminder of how quickly a serene summer vacation can descend into horror, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and a community forever haunted by this unsolved mystery.
Sources
For more detailed information, you can visit the original Wikipedia article.
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...
Robison Family Murdered
The Robison family is shot and bludgeoned to death in their cottage.
Bodies Discovered
The bodies of the Robison family are found by the caretaker of the resort.
Investigation Report Completed
Michigan State Police submit a 700-page report implicating Joseph Scolaro.
Charges Not Filed
Prosecutors rule insufficient evidence to charge Scolaro despite strong circumstantial evidence.
Scolaro Commits Suicide
Joseph Scolaro, prime suspect, commits suicide before potential indictment.
Suicide Notes Found
Two suicide notes are discovered, one denying involvement in the Robison murders.
Case Becomes Inactive
The investigation into the Robison murders becomes largely inactive following Scolaro's death.
Case Remains Open
The Robison family murders remain officially open, with Scolaro as the prime suspect.