Ohio Man's Murder Conviction Mostly Overturned on Appeal

Justus Robertson's 29-year sentence reduced to just the top murder charge after appeals court found constitutional violations during trial.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the forensic details of a violent crime.A stark, gritty close-up of physical evidence from a violent crime scene exposes the harsh realities of the justice system.Columbus Today

A 22-year-old Ohio man who was sentenced to 29 years in prison for a 2022 murder has had all but one of his convictions overturned on appeal. The Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled that Justus Robertson's constitutional rights were violated when he was forced to wear visible leg shackles during his trial, tainting the jury's perception and jeopardizing his right to a fair trial.

Why it matters

The appeals court's decision highlights the importance of ensuring defendants' constitutional rights are protected, even in high-profile violent crime cases. It also raises questions about the use of restraints in court and how that can unfairly influence juries.

The details

Robertson was originally convicted of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, improper discharge into a habitation, and three counts of felonious assault for the July 2022 killing of 21-year-old Christopher Roberts. However, the appeals court overturned all of those convictions, finding the court had no justification for forcing Robertson to wear visible leg irons during the trial. The court ruled this violated Robertson's Fifth, Sixth and 14th Amendment rights. The only conviction that remains is the top charge of murder.

  • In July 2022, Robertson and an accomplice, Xavier Colvin, were accused of 'ambushing' and fatally shooting Roberts.
  • In March 2023, Colvin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a maximum of 21.5 years in prison.
  • On April 2, 2026, the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals overturned all but Robertson's murder conviction.

The players

Justus Robertson

A 22-year-old Ohio man who was originally sentenced to 29 years in prison for the 2022 murder of Christopher Roberts, but had all but one of his convictions overturned on appeal.

Xavier Colvin

Robertson's accomplice who pleaded guilty to the murder in March 2023 and was sentenced to a maximum of 21.5 years in prison.

Christopher Roberts

The 21-year-old victim who was fatally shot in an 'ambush' assault in July 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Once the victim started running back to where he came from, he was again met with gunfire. Everywhere this young man turned, he was met with gunfire.”

— Brian Toth, Franklin County Sheriff's Office Detective

What’s next

Robertson will be retried on the six overturned charges, but will remain in prison due to the one murder conviction that was upheld.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of protecting defendants' constitutional rights, even in serious violent crime cases. The appeals court's decision to overturn most of Robertson's convictions due to the improper use of restraints during his trial underscores how such violations can unfairly influence juries and jeopardize a fair trial.