Insanity plea leads to acquittal in attempted mall kidnapping

By James Fuller

When Arthur C. Robinzine walked into a home in Carpentersville last December that wasn't his, he displayed the first signs of a mental disorder that would lead to arrest.

The 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago appeared confused and disoriented to the residents of the Carpentersville home, who reported his sudden appearance in their living room to the police. Robinzine, of 1432 N. Luna Ave. in Chicago, left the Carpentersville residence before police arrived, but it wouldn't be long before they'd encounter him in person.

A teacher from an Elgin preschool spotted Robinzine just a couple of hours later at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee. Again, he appeared disoriented. Robinzine approached the group of 11 children the teacher was escorting on a field trip. He then grabbed the arm of a 4-year-old Elgin boy, scooping him up in his arms before trying to bolt.

A parent with the group tackled Robinzine before he could get away with the child and held him until mall security arrived.

Robinzine would eventually be charged with criminal trespass to a residence, unlawful restraint, two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of kidnapping and resisting arrest for kicking a police officer. With the disorientation signs on full display, Robinzine was sent for evaluation and treatment at the Elgin Mental Health Center.

This morning, Kane County Associate Judge Allen Anderson ruled Robinzine "lacked the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct" in acquitting Robinzine of all charges by reason of insanity.

Robinzine has been receiving treatment and medication since the time of his arrest. Today, he told the judge he was able to understand everything happening in the courtroom.

Robinzine will remain in the custody of the county's Department of Human Services for further evaluation until his next court appearance on Aug. 25.

Robinzine's public defender, Tom McCulloch, said his hope is the report on Aug. 25 will result in a positive outcome for his client.

"I think as long as he's taking his medication he's probably fine," McCulloch said.