ST. LOUIS, MO  (July 28, 2025) — The beating death of a 3-year-old boy, followed days later by a violent robbery, has resulted in an 18-year prison sentence for Timothy L. Robinson, 37, of St. Louis. Robinson pled guilty Monday to abuse of a child resulting in death, second-degree murder, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child in one case, and second-degree robbery in a separate case.

On December 10, 2021, Robinson was caring for 3-year-old Emmanuel Ware, his girlfriend’s son, at an apartment in the 2600 block of Rutger Avenue in the Lafayette Square neighborhood. When the child’s mother returned home, she found Emmanuel unresponsive. Robinson told her the child had been hit by a car while they were walking to a gas station. That claim was not supported by surveillance footage or evidence at the scene.

An autopsy determined the child died from blunt force trauma, including a lacerated liver and internal bleeding. The injuries were not consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Three days later, on December 13, 2021, Robinson attacked and robbed a woman in the 3200 block of Hampton Avenue in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood. After following her off a Metro bus, he punched her in the face, knocked her to the ground, and stole her purse. Police located and arrested Robinson shortly afterward. He was still in possession of the victim’s belongings.

Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said, “This guilty plea and sentence removes a dangerous individual from our community for a lengthy period of time and serves as some measure of justice for the victims of his heinous crimes.”

Robinson was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the charges related to Emmanuel’s death and 15 years for the robbery, to run concurrently.

His prior convictions include first-degree burglary and second-degree robbery in St. Louis County.

Special Victim Unit Supervisor Jeremy Crowley prosecuted the case.

The defendant’s case numbers are 2422-CR00360 and 2122-CR01838-01.