Competency of man charged with killing LZ Jolly called in question, court orders exam

Rodney Robbins



MILWAUKEE -- Rodney Robbins appeared in a Milwaukee County courtroom on Tuesday, June 11 -- and his attorney indicated there was reason to believe Robbins was not competent to proceed in the case.

Robbins was charged in connection with the fatal shooting of LZ Jolly outside Warren’s Lounge near 25th and Hopkins on May 23.

Robbins faces the following charges:


    Fatal shooting from 25th and Hopkins, Milwaukee



    The court found there was probable cause to hold Robbins over for trial -- and then ordered a competency exam for Robbins. He was ordered to be back in court July 22 for the return of the doctor's report.

    LZ Jolly



    According to the criminal complaint for Robbins, officers were dispatched to the tavern and found the victim, Jolly. Officers attempted life-saving measures — but Jolly died on the scene. Officers noted Jolly had multiple gunshot wounds. They also recovered multiple .40 caliber fired casings near Jolly’s body.

    The complaint indicated video of the entire incident was captured by nearby security cameras. It showed a man with long dreads, later identified as Robbins, exited a car and walked towards the entrance to Warren’s Tavern. The video appeared to show three children were in the back seat of the vehicle. Moments later, the complaint indicated the video showed Jolly confronted Robbins. The complaint said the “video showed (Jolly) leaning forward in an aggressive manner, and at various times, he put his hands on the defendant or pushed him.” At one point, Robbins “could be seen pulling something from his waist,” which caused Jolly and two other bystanders to “put their hands in the air.” When Jolly turned away from Robbins, the complaint said the security video showed Robbins “shot once” causing Jolly to fall to the ground. The complaint said the video showed Robbins “stood over the victim and shot multiple times.”

    Fatal shooting from 25th and Hopkins, Milwaukee



    Once in custody, Robbins was interviewed by police. The criminal complaint indicated he “admitted to being the shooter in this case.” Robbins indicated he had come from downtown Milwaukee, where he had spent time at the Deer District watching a basketball game. He apparently wanted to purchase a pint of beer from Warren’s on the way home — and that is when he ran into Jolly.

    Rodney Robbins



    The complaint indicated Robbins knew Jolly for 30 years. Robbins “admitted to having a firearm, and stated that he knew he was a felon and was not supposed to carry a gun, but he felt that he needed to protect his family.” Robbins stated “when he pulled out his gun and went to shoot the victim, the safety was on and the gun didn’t originally fire.” Robbins told police “he shot the victim, who he said was still acting aggressively.” The complaint indicated Robbins admitted after the shooting he got back into the car — and drove away.

    According to the criminal complaint, Robbins “burned his clothing that night, got rid of the gun, and also shaved off his dreadlocks.”