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The Shopping Cart Killer: 5 Shocking Facts And The Latest 2026 Sentencing Update For Anthony Robinson

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The case of Anthony Eugene Robinson, the man dubbed the "Shopping Cart Killer," continues to dominate true crime headlines, with his conviction secured and the final chapter—his sentencing—now scheduled for 2026. As of December 24, 2025, the latest judicial updates confirm a series of continuances in the Rockingham Circuit Court, pushing the final sentencing for the brutal murders of at least four women into the new year. This article provides a deep dive into the shocking details of the case, the full profile of the convicted serial killer, and the current status of the legal proceedings that have captivated and horrified the Washington, D.C., and Virginia communities. The chilling nickname, "The Shopping Cart Killer," stems from Robinson’s terrifying and systematic method of operation: luring vulnerable women to hotels, murdering them, and then using discarded shopping carts to transport their bodies to remote, wooded areas for disposal. This pattern of behavior across multiple jurisdictions in Virginia and the D.C. area cemented his status as a prolific and highly dangerous serial killer.

Anthony Robinson: Full Biography and Criminal Profile

Anthony Eugene Robinson is an American serial killer who operated primarily in the Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia regions. His criminal actions, spanning a period in 2021, have left a devastating trail of victims and prompted a multi-jurisdictional investigation by police forces in Fairfax County, Harrisonburg, and beyond.
  • Full Name: Anthony Eugene Robinson
  • Date of Birth: September 3, 1986
  • Place of Residence: Washington, D.C.
  • Nickname: The Shopping Cart Killer
  • Known Victims: At least four confirmed victims: Allene "Beth" Redmon, Tonita "Nita" Smith, Cheyenne Brown, and Stephanie Harrison.
  • Areas of Operation: Harrisonburg, VA, and Fairfax County, VA.
  • Criminal Status: Convicted of the murders of Beth Redmon and Tonita Smith.
  • Trial Status: A sentencing hearing in Rockingham Circuit Court has been continued until May 22, 2026.
  • Modus Operandi: Lured victims online, murdered them in motels, and used shopping carts to dispose of the bodies in secluded, vacant lots.
While specific details about Robinson's life before the murders—such as his profession or family history—remain limited in public records, his actions revealed a predatory nature, specifically targeting vulnerable women. The multi-state investigation connected him to the disappearances through cell phone data and video surveillance, which ultimately led to his arrest in November 2021.

The Terrifying Modus Operandi: Luring, Murder, and Disposal

The horrifying nature of the Shopping Cart Killer’s crimes lies not just in the number of victims, but in the calculated and repeated method he employed, which gave him his infamous moniker. This systematic approach allowed him to operate undetected for a period, preying on women in distress or those he met through online platforms.

The Calculated Luring and Attack

Robinson's pattern, or *modus operandi*, involved luring women, often those facing homelessness or addiction issues, to various motels or secluded locations. He would meet his victims through social media or dating apps, building a false sense of security before the attack. The murders of Allene "Beth" Redmon and Tonita "Nita" Smith, for which he was convicted, followed this specific pattern. Redmon, 54, and Smith, 39, were last seen alive in October and November 2021, respectively, before their bodies were discovered together.

The Signature Disposal Method

The most distinctive and chilling aspect of the Shopping Cart Killer case is the disposal of the bodies. After murdering his victims, Robinson would allegedly use a shopping cart to transport their remains from the motel room to a vehicle. He would then drive the bodies to remote, wooded areas or vacant lots, often concealing them in plastic containers or trash cans. This method was key to the investigation. The discovery of the bodies of Redmon and Smith in an unfinished parking lot in Harrisonburg in November 2021, and the later discovery of two other bodies in a large plastic container near a shopping cart in Fairfax County, provided the crucial link that connected the separate cases and led investigators to label him as a Virginia serial killer. The use of the carts was a grim logistical solution to move the bodies without attracting immediate attention.

The Victims of the Shopping Cart Killer

The true tragedy of this case lies in the lives lost. The victims were mothers, daughters, and friends, and their disappearances and subsequent discoveries sparked massive search efforts and a multi-jurisdictional investigation. Police have confirmed at least four victims, with the possibility of a fifth Shopping Cart Killer victim being investigated. The confirmed victims are:
  • Allene "Beth" Redmon (54): Last seen in October 2021. Her body was found in Harrisonburg, VA.
  • Tonita "Nita" Smith (39): Last seen in November 2021. Her body was found alongside Redmon's in Harrisonburg, VA.
  • Cheyenne Brown: A young mother from Washington, D.C., who was reported missing in late September 2021. Her body was one of two found in a plastic container in Fairfax County, VA. DNA technology was instrumental in her positive identification.
  • Stephanie Harrison: The fourth confirmed victim, whose remains were found with Cheyenne Brown's in Fairfax County. Her identification was also confirmed through DNA analysis.
The fact that the bodies were found across different counties, including the Harrisonburg murders and the Fairfax County discoveries, highlights the expansive scope of Robinson's crimes and the challenge faced by law enforcement in connecting the dots.

The Latest Trial and Sentencing Updates (May 2026)

The legal proceedings against Anthony Robinson have been lengthy, but as of the current date, significant progress has been made, culminating in a conviction and a definitive sentencing date. In the Harrisonburg case, Robinson was found guilty of two counts of murder for the deaths of Beth Redmon and Tonita Smith. This conviction was a major victory for the prosecution and the victims' families, establishing a legal precedent for his actions. However, the final chapter—the sentencing—has seen multiple delays. The latest information available indicates that the sentencing hearing for Anthony Eugene Robinson has been continued until May 22, 2026, in the Rockingham Circuit Court. These continuances are common in complex capital cases, allowing the defense and prosecution ample time to prepare their arguments regarding the appropriate punishment. Robinson faces the possibility of life in prison for the convictions in Harrisonburg. Furthermore, he is the primary suspect and is facing charges related to the other confirmed victims in Fairfax County. The successful prosecution in the Harrisonburg case is a critical step, but the ongoing legal battles in other jurisdictions will determine the full extent of his punishment for the entire series of crimes linked to the Shopping Cart Killer investigation. The use of advanced investigative techniques, including detailed cell phone data analysis and DNA technology, has been crucial in linking Robinson to the various crime scenes and victims, providing closure for the families and ensuring the conviction of a dangerous online dating serial killer. The May 2026 sentencing date will be the next major milestone in this high-profile case.
The Shopping Cart Killer: 5 Shocking Facts and The Latest 2026 Sentencing Update for Anthony Robinson
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