Suspect in 2014 double murder pleads not guilty

The fourth of six murder suspects involved in a massive crime and drug ring has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, among other charges.

Richard Robinson, 21, of Philadelphia has asked for a jury trial in connection to a 35-person crime ring that invaded homes seeking drugs and cash.

Robinson is accused of murdering Millsboro residents Cletis Nelson and William Hopkins at a home on Harmons Hill Road in 2014. Police say Robinson is one of the six leaders of the crime ring, which sought out homes that were distributing narcotics in Kent and Sussex counties and targeted them for home invasions. Police say the murders are connected to the crime ring, which was busted in a four-month investigation dubbed "In The House."

Flanked by attorney John Deckers and clad in an orange Department of Corrections jumpsuit, the youthful Robinson said very little during his Sept. 28 appearance in Delaware Superior Court in Georgetown.

In addition to two first-degree murder charges, Robinson also faces one count of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of racketeering, five counts of home invasion, three first-degree robbery charges, 49 counts of possession of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, multiple counts of conspiracy, two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment and three counts of wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Robinson faces the possibility of the death penalty.

Similar charges have also been brought against six people police say were leaders of the crime ring. Steven Kellam, Damon Bethea and Shamir Stratton also pleaded not guilty on charges of first-degree murder and home invasion.

A fifth defendant, Carlton Gibbs, is scheduled for arraignment Friday, Oct. 2. An arraignment date has not been set for Rhamir Waples, 19, of Philadelphia, who was the last of the six murder suspects to be apprehended by police.