Robin Howington Trial: Mother Accused of Daughter's Murder Blames 2-Year-Old Son

Initial 911 Call and Investigation

• 911 was called on September 14, 2019, by Robin Howington, reporting her 5-year-old daughter, Destiny Oliver, had been shot.
• Howington initially claimed a man entered their home and shot Destiny, describing the suspect and a black Chrysler.
• First responders found Destiny on the couch, bleeding from a chest wound; she was later declared dead at the hospital.

Shifting Stories and Suspicious Behavior

• Investigators noted inconsistencies in Howington's statements, raising suspicions about the initial account.
• Howington's behavior at the hospital, including attempting to destroy her cell phone by running it under water, further fueled suspicion.
• Detectives focused on the cell phone as crucial evidence, suspecting it contained information relevant to the case.

Shifting Blame to Ex-Partner and Son

• Robin Howington's ex-partner, Antoine Oliver (Destiny's father), was initially considered a suspect due to their history of domestic violence.
• Howington later changed her story, suggesting the shooting might have been accidental or related to Antoine's associates.
• A significant shift occurred when Howington began blaming her 2-year-old son, Gavin, for accidentally shooting his sister.

Evidence and Investigation Breakthroughs

• A gun was found outside the house, and video evidence showed Howington discarding it, which she claimed was to protect her son.
• The gun was identified as the murder weapon, and gunpowder stippling suggested it was fired at close range.
• Investigators found gunshot residue on both Robin Howington's and Gavin's clothing, complicating the narrative.
• The physical impossibility of a 2-year-old aiming and firing the gun, especially with the safety off, was highlighted by investigators.

Trial and Conviction

• Robin Howington's trial began in March 2024, with her defense arguing she was suffering from PTSD and acted to protect her son.
• The prosecution argued that Howington lied, obstructed the investigation, and failed to secure the firearm, leading to her daughter's death.
• After deliberating for two hours, the jury found Robin Howington guilty of reckless homicide, aggravated child neglect, making a false report, and tampering with evidence.
• She was sentenced to 22 years in prison for her role in the death of her daughter, Destiny Oliver.