June 14, 2005
Robinson Pleads Guilty to 2003 Glen Ellyn Murder

Joe Birkett, DuPage County State’s Attorney, announced today that Derrick C. Robinson (D.O.B. 10/07/64), 40, of 1326 N. Lorel in Chicago, Illinois pled guilty this morning to one (1) count of First Degree Murder for the October 27, 2003 murder of Julie McCloud of Glen Ellyn.   By a negotiated plea it was agreed the State would not seek an enhanced sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment.  Under this agreement, Robinson will receive 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections when he is sentenced by Judge George Bakalis.

This plea of guilty to murder is based on the following facts: In October of 2003 Julie McCloud resided in an apartment at 537 Pershing in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.  On the 27th of October Glen Ellyn Police were dispatched to her residence at approximately 5:30 P.M. where they found McCloud partially clothed and unresponsive.  Ms. McCloud had duct tape wrapped around her head completely covering her nose and mouth.  The DuPage County Coroner found that she died as a result of asphyxiation.  The ensuing investigation established that Derrick Robinson had previously dated the victim and that they had recently broken-up. 

After Derrick Robinson was located by the police, he confessed to Julie McCloud’s murder.  Additionally, the police found DNA evidence linking Robinson to the murder.  In his confession Robinson admitted he had become jealous of Julie McCloud’s ex-husband who had been in town to attend a funeral and spent the night at McCloud’s residence. 

State’s Attorney Birkett stated, “This is another horrible example of the devastation caused by incidents of domestic violence in our society.  Although we have recently seen a decrease in these occurrences, domestic violence issues, and their prevention remain a top priority for law enforcement.”   Birkett also commended prosecutors Kevin Halverson and Helen Kapas, as well as members of the Glen Ellyn Police Department, and the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force for their outstanding efforts in the investigation and successful prosecution of this case.

Robinson remains in custody of the DuPage County Jail and will next appear in court on July 11, 2005 for the return of the pre-sentence report.  A date for sentencing will be set at that time.