Two days of testimony appear to be all that is needed in the Fulton County trial of John Schultz following hours of testimony by the teen that prosecutors have called his co-conspirator in a plot to coordinate school shootings at Rochester and Caston schools.
Schultz, 19, of Rochester, stands accused of conspiracy to commit murder, a level 2 felony; and intimidation and possession of methamphetamine, both level 6 felonies.
Donald Victor Robin Jr., 18, highlighted the prosecution witnesses in day two of the trial on Tuesday. Robin was sentenced in March following a plea agreement for conspiracy to commit murder. He received 17 years, with nine of those suspended. He’s serving his time currently in the Westville Correctional Facility.
Under questions from prosecutors Robin told the court that with their arrest he and Schultz ran out of time leading up to their potential plans for the school shooting. He said their use of methamphetamine and other drugs fueled his desire to continue with the idea when he might otherwise have pulled out.
Robin also answered questions from prosecutors about his concerns with safety in prison with other inmates aware he is testifying for the state in this case. When asked if he would have entered into a plea agreement to serve prison time if he and Schultz had not actually intended to go ahead with the plan, he responded that he would not have.
Robin explained how he showed Schultz a documentary on the 1999 shootings at Columbine. Evidence in the case showed various pictures, messages and social media posts involving what happened at Columbine.
Robin said part of their preparations for a school attack included looking for ways to make bombs like those the Columbine attackers had, but failed at that time. They looked for parts and ways to perfect the system.
Robin noted that Caston schools came up in their conversations due to the remoteness of the location. Bur Rochester had been the place that drove their anger. Robin said he left school after 9th grade due to bullying. Evidence was introduced that Robin identified as a list of people Schultz hated. Among them were people, students at Rochester High School.
The defense indicated inconsistencies and contradictions in Robin’s testimony compared to what he told investigators and the defense team before in meetings before Tuesday’s court appearance including his testimony of the pair’s intention to use propane tanks as bombs, something the defense says Robin did not explain before now. Under a re-cross, Robin said he had time since those meetings to remember details and he is clearer of mind now than he was then. He also said the attorneys in the defense team made him feel like he was being bullied and when he feels that way he shuts down and doesn’t want to talk.
The prosecution concluded its questioning by lunch Tuesday with the defense continuing until approx 2:30 following the break.
The prosecution rested its case followed by the defense which isn’t calling any witnesses, including Schultz himself who it doesn’t appear will take the stand.
Closing arguments are anticipated today.
