Man pleads guilty to selling drugs to shooting victim

Armster Robinson, the man accused of selling cocaine to a Cape Girardeau shooting victim, pleaded guilty to trafficking a controlled substance Tuesday in Mississippi County.

Robinson, 20, sold $50 worth of cocaine to Matthew "Woody" Ervin at a convenience store on Bloomfield Road on June 26, 2010.

Ervin died later that night after being shot near the intersection of Park Drive and Fountain Street in Cape Girardeau. He was found dead with gunshot wounds to the head and torso.

Judge David Dolan sentenced Robinson to five years in prison, but will maintain jurisdiction over Robinson for 120 days. After 120 days Dolan will decide whether Robinson will stay in jail.

"We're all happy it's over and we can move on with our lives," said Ted Liszewski, Robinson's attorney.

Last week, Thomas D. Evans of Bellwood, lll., was acquitted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Ervin's death. Robinson exercised his Fifth Amendment right and did not testify in the case.

Evans testified that he was with Robinson when he allegedly sold the cocaine to Ervin. Ervin had asked for $100 worth of cocaine, but Robinson only had $50 worth, Evans testified.

Once the transaction was completed, Evans and Robinson rode with Ervin to the area of Park Drive, Evans testified. Once there, the three men got out of the car and an unidentified man appeared out of the shadows and shot Ervin, Evans testified.

psullivan@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Park Drive and North Fountain Street, Cape Girardeau