The Murder of Autumn Pasquale

In 2012, 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale left home in Clayton, New Jersey, to ride her new BMX—and never came back. This episode unpacks the facts of her killing by 15-year-old Justin Robinson, the frantic two-day search, the plea deal and sentencing, and the painful aftermath that split a small town. We also examine the harder question this case raises: how much parental supervision is enough—and what does accountability look like when a child kills? Thoughtful, clear-eyed, and unsensational, this story looks at the people, the evidence, and the consequences.Follow Almost Fiction for new cases, and please consider rating the show to help others find it.Sources:Is it a crime to raise a killer? By Lisa Belkin for YahooNews.com. September 12, 2014. https://www.yahoo.com/news/is-it-a-crime-to-raise-a-killer--190558283.htmlA killer explains the slaying of a child: 'I didn't kill her for no bike'. By Matt Gray for NJ.com. March 27, 2018.https://www.nj.com/news/2018/03/a_killer_explains_slaying_of_a_child_i_didnt_kill.htmlMan involved in Autumn Pasquale's death to remain in jail on home invasion charges. By Caitlyn Stulpin for NJ.com. June 07, 2017. https://www.nj.com/camden/2017/06/man_behind_violent_home_invasion_and_2012_murder_o.htmlBrother of Autumn Pasquale's confessed killer released from jail. By 6ABC. September 25, 2013. https://6abc.com/archive/9261014/Dante Robinson of Clayton sentenced for role in Sicklerville home invasion. By Jim Walsh for Courier Post. October 23, 2020. https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2020/10/23/dante-robinson-clayton-sicklerville-home-invasion-robbery-autumn-pasquale/6008364002/Autumn Pasquale's family: 'If you're going to raise a murderer, you're going to take responsibility'. By Carly Q. Romalino for South Jersey Times. October 1, 2013. https://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/2013/10/autumn_pasquales_family_if_youre_going_to_raise_a_murderer_youre_going_to_take_responsibility.htmlAutumn Pasquale murder: Judge sentences Justin Robinson to 17 years. By South Jersey Times. September 12, 2013. https://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/2013/09/autumn_pasquale_judge_sentences_her_killer_justin_robinson_to_17_years.htmlJudge dismisses civil lawsuit in death of Autumn Pasquale. By Associated Press. June 15, 2016. https://whyy.org/articles/judge-dismisses-civil-lawsuit-in-death-of-autumn-pasquale/South Jersey investigators find young girl's body. By ABC11. October 23, 2012. https://abc11.com/archive/8183567/Parents of slain Autumn Pasquale settle lawsuit. February 28, 2013. https://whyy.org/articles/parents-of-slain-autumn-pasquale-settle-lawsuit/