CHRISTINA ROBINSON SENTENCED FOR MURDER AND CRUELTY IN DURHAM

A tragic case of child abuse culminating in the death of a three-year-old boy has resulted in a severe prison sentence for the woman responsible. Christina Robinson, a 30-year-old resident of Durham, was convicted of inflicting extreme cruelty upon her young son, Dwelaniyah, leading to his untimely death in November 2022.

Robinson was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder and child cruelty, after a harrowing trial that revealed the extent of her violent and neglectful treatment. The court heard that in the weeks leading up to Dwelaniyah’s death, Robinson subjected him to a series of brutal punishments, which the judge described as 'extreme cruelty.'

Despite her denial of causing injury or death, Robinson admitted to caning her son, claiming it was part of her religious beliefs. The prosecution painted a disturbing picture of her actions, describing them as 'sadistic' and involving 'ritual and persistent beatings.'

Evidence presented during the trial detailed that the young boy had sustained over 60 injuries by the time he died. Among the most shocking details was that Dwelaniyah was forced into a bath of scalding hot water just 18 days before his death, an act that caused severe burns. The court also heard that Robinson continued to strike her son with a cane even while he was suffering from burns, showing a blatant disregard for his suffering.

The court further learned that Robinson’s actions were influenced by her religious beliefs, specifically the teachings of the Black Hebrew Israelites, which she claimed endorsed the punishment of children. This religious justification was used to rationalize her violent discipline methods, which included regular and severe physical punishment.

Following the jury’s verdict, Robinson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. During her sentencing, she chose to speak in her own defense, vehemently denying the charges. She described the allegations as 'false' and insisted, 'I did not kill my child in any way, however the prosecution chooses to say it, whatever anyone wants to imagine, the fact is I did not kill my child. I stand by that and will forever stand by that. I pray for the day justice will be served.'

The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Garnham, addressed her statements and the nature of her actions. He clarified that her conduct could not be classified as 'sadism' in the sexual sense, as there was no evidence she derived any pleasure from her actions. Instead, he noted that her severe burns resulted from her anger after her son soiled himself, and she failed to seek medical help out of fear of repercussions. The judge described her as 'callous' and criticized her for misinterpreting her religious teachings, which led her to believe that punishing her son with a cane was appropriate.

He expressed horror at the thought of Dwelaniyah being beaten with a cane while suffering from severe burns and condemned her neglect, including leaving him alone for extended periods. The judge acknowledged that her actions caused significant harm and ultimately led to her son’s death, which was caused by forceful shaking. However, he emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest she intended to kill him, only that her actions resulted in serious injury and death due to her reckless and abusive behavior.