Eight months after leaving a friend to die along the highway, a Maysville woman pleads to get out of prison early. Forgiveness and rehabilitation clashed with punishment and revenge in a Maysville courtroom this morning.
The lawyer for Minnie Robertson argued for shock probation for her role in the death of Ryan Cooper. Robertson, Amber Lovell and Matthew Brock have been locked up since last summer after dumping an incapacitated Cooper at the side of the road.
Joe Webb was in the courtroom and has the story you'll only see on Local 12.
At this point, Miss Robertson has 236 days in incarceration on these charges." Minnie Robertson wasn't in court today but her attorney argued vigorously for shock probation, claiming she's clean, sober and focused on her recovery.
The victim's mother wasn't buying it. "Your honor, I'm begging you. I'm begging you let her pull every day of her 15% because my son doesn't get another chance."
Ryan Cooper died along Route 8 last July. Robertson is serving 5 years for her role in his death, Amber Lovell is serving 8 years and Matthew Brock got 9 and a half years.
Police say Robertson drove to Cincinnati with Cooper, Lovell, Brock and her infant child. Police say they bought heroin. Cooper overdosed on the way back and they dumped him, still breathing, alongside Route 8. He was found dead two days later. The judge seemed concerned that Robertson had her baby in the car with 3 people on heroin and never went to police. Her attorney argues she's turned a corner. "This isn't about punishment. This is about rehabilitation of Miss Robertson. She has no prior criminal record according to the Commonwealth's own report. And she's shown that she can stay clean and sober."
Cooper's mother disagrees. To her, Robertson's recovery doesn't matter. " No, it doesn't. My son doesn't have a chance to get help, does he? He's dead and I have to face that fact every day of my life. And the circumstances of how that he died? Left two days alone on the side of the road? So her getting help doesn't help any."
The judge is expected to rule next week.
