dme court

Defense attorneys for a Butler man and woman said they had permission to enter the home of a deceased patient, who they are accused of stealing from.

Karl R. Warren Jr., 35, and Janautica S. Revis, 26, are accused of burglarizing a West Brady Street home May 30 despite having a key to the home.

Revis’ attorney, public defender Terri Schultz, alleged the daughter of one of the residents had given Revis and Warren permission in a text messages to enter the residence. Revis had previously worked as a home health aide at the residence.

Richelle Robinson, who lived at the residence, and her sister, Kassandra Robinson, testified at the Monday, July 21, preliminary hearing before District Judge William Fullerton.

Kassandra Robinson testified her sister wasn’t home when Revis and Warren visited the residence. She said the doors were locked and blocked off after Richelle Robinson had told her not to allow Revis and Warren inside.

Revis was given a key during her time as a home health aide because she would arrive before anyone was awake, Kassandra Robinson said. Richelle Robinson testified she had told Revis she was no longer allowed in the home the day after her patient died.

Kassandra Robinson attempted to block the door with her body and a cane after Revis unlocked it with her key. When the door wouldn’t open, Warren reportedly kicked the door off its hinges while Kassandra was on the other side.

Kassandra said she then ran up the stairs and locked herself in the attic until she heard her sister come home and argue with Revis outside.

Richelle Robinson alleged in her testimony that Revis and Warren were watching the cameras in the home for when she left. She alleged the two had previously locked her out of the camera system and stole four TVs from the home the previous day.

However, Schultz argued there was no evidence to show Revis and Warren were watching the cameras.

Richelle Robinson testified she arrived at the home and began arguing with Revis outside. She said Revis spit in her face during the incident, which caused a fight between the two. Kassandra Robinson alleged she then went outside to get between the two when Warren pushed her into a curb, allegedly breaking her back.

Kassandra Robinson testified she had physical health problems before the incident but had to use a walker more often afterward.

Assistant district attorney Laura Pitchford asked for an aggravated assault charge to be added against Warren after the testimony.

Warren’s defense attorney, John Michael Pavlik, alleged the clash began after Richelle Robinson called Warren a racial slur.

Fullerton did not add an aggravated assault charge and said it would be up to a jury to decide who incited the clash.

Police arrived shortly after Kassandra Robinson was pushed, she said.

Richelle Robinson said no items were missing from the home after the alleged burglary, but a clock, lockbox and mirror were misplaced or broken.

Pavlik also alleged Richelle Robinson and Warren previously knew each other and he would drive her to another residence about a block away.

Richelle Robinson disputed the allegation.

He also argued there was no evidence to support Kassandra Robinson sustained a broken back during the incident, and there was no intent to burglarize the residence since they reportedly had permission and a key.

Revis’ and Warren’s formal arraignments are scheduled for Sept. 9 in Butler County Common Pleas Court.

Each are charged with felony burglary and criminal conspiracy, and misdemeanor theft. Warren additionally was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault. All charges were held for court.