Warren Suspect Arraigned After Five-Hour Barricaded Standoff
Suspect Arraigned Following Warren Standoff
Dominick "Nickyy" Robinson was arraigned on Monday in Warren, Michigan, on a charge of first-degree murder. Robinson, 30, is a transwoman who will be referred to by her birth name in court proceedings because it is her legal name. The arraignment follows a five-hour barricaded standoff with police in Warren last week that Robinson streamed live on Facebook.
Details of Charge and Court Proceedings
During Monday's hearing, a not guilty plea was entered on Robinson's behalf. Judge Steven Bieda set Robinson's bond at $2 million, which exceeded the prosecution's request for a $1 million bond. Judge Bieda also ordered a mental health evaluation for Robinson and stated that he believed there was a high risk of harm to Robinson or to others based on the circumstances presented.
Prosecution Cites Planning and Online Activity
Prosecuting attorney Sian Hengeveld addressed the court about Robinson's alleged actions. Hengeveld stated that there was extensive planning involved in the case and that Robinson communicated an intention to kill the victim to at least one additional person. Hengeveld also referenced a Facebook Live confession during which Robinson allegedly identified having killed the victim and showed the deceased lying on the floor.
Standoff and Live Stream Description
The incident occurred on Westminster Street near Eight Mile in Warren. According to information presented in court, the standoff with police lasted about five hours while Robinson continued to live stream on Facebook. During the broadcast, blood was visible on the floor, and a knife could also be seen. At one point during the standoff, Robinson exited onto the porch, and police fired rubber bullets at her.
Police Response and Surrender
Crisis negotiators contacted Robinson during the barricaded situation and remained on the phone with her for hours. This ongoing communication led to Robinson's eventual peaceful surrender to authorities. No additional details about injuries to others during the standoff were stated in the hearing report.
Concerns Raised Over Risk and Mental Health
Hengeveld told the court that social media activity preceding the homicide raised questions about Robinson's mental health. She said there were several posts on social media leading up to the killing that indicated a high risk of harm to Robinson or to others. These concerns formed part of the basis for the prosecution's request for a minimum $1 million bond.
Next Court Dates Scheduled
The court scheduled Robinson to return on December 23 for a probable cause conference. A preliminary examination is set for December 30. Robinson remains charged with first-degree murder in connection with the incident in Warren.