The brother of a New Jersey teenager who was charged with the murder of 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale was released from juvenile prison on Tuesday, NJ.com reported.
Dante Robinson, 17, pleaded to fourth-degree obstruction before Superior Court Judge Colleen Maier. He had been staying in Camden County Youth Correction Facility since last fall and was sentenced to six months in jail.
"Dante Robinson was released from custody today. He admitted no crime," said his attorney Chris Hoffner. "This confirms what we always knew. Dante did not hurt the decedent and was not involved in her death or the moving of her body. People may not want to believe it, but the truth prevailed today, and Dante is home."
Last October, Dante and his brother, Justin, were arrested and tried in juvenile court for the kidding of the 12-year-old girl. Her disappearance prompted a massive search in Clayton, New Jersey and the surrounding towns, leading to the discovery of her remains in a recycling bin next to the Robinson residence.
Last month, the younger Robinson brother, Justin, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter after taking complete responsibility for Pasquale's death. On Sept. 12, he was sentenced to a 17-year sentence, 14 of which will be served before he is eligible for parole.
A lawyer for the girl's father, Doug Long, declined to comment on his release.
"Mr. Pasquale respects the court's order," said Long.
Jaime Kaigh, attorney for the girl's mother, said the she hopes the end of the case will bring "closure and healing."
Prior to Justin Robinson's hearing, Pasquale's friends and family complained that the teen was not getting a long enough sentence. Prosecutors said that because of his age and developmental disabilities, it was not likely for Robinson's case to be moved from juvenile to adult court , meaning a lower sentence was almost certain.
