Accused killer's friend pleads no contest

12/5/2000

FREMONT - Dawn Dennis, who fled the state with accused killer John M. Robinson, pleaded no contest to the charge of obstruction of justice in Sandusky County Common Pleas Court yesterday.

The plea means that the state will withhold further prosecution as long as she complies with the terms of the agreement, including testifying truthfully against Mr. Robinson during his March, 2001 trial.

Mr. Robinson, 22, of Sandusky, was arrested in Houston following a nationwide manhunt. He is accused of killing Crystal Pierson, 20, at Two Z's Drive-Thru north of Oak Harbor on April 21. Police say three days later, Mr. Robinson robbed and killed Denise Clink, 42, at Gene's Drive-Thru near Green Springs, O. Mr. Robinson could be sentenced to death if he is convicted.

The women were working alone in the stores, police said.

Mr. Robinson also was indicted in the shooting of Robert Hovis, 49, at The Gables Tavern just outside Fremont. Mr. Hovis was shot in the hand and face, but he was able to give authorities a description of his assailant.