Robin Marie Mendez, a 67-year-old woman from Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on November 11, 2021. Born on June 2, 1954, in Ames, Iowa, Robin was a dedicated Assistant Manager at Motor Mart in Collinsville for over 30 years. She was well-known in her community, enjoying activities such as puzzles and reading, and was a member of the Bunko Club.
Robin was survived by her husband, Michael Mendez, and several close friends and family members.
The circumstances surrounding Robin Marie Mendez's death were tragic and violent. On November 11, 2021, police responded to a medical emergency at her home on Rainbow Drive in Collinsville. Upon arrival, they found Robin with severe injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison County Coroner's Office. An autopsy confirmed that the manner of death was homicide. Robin had been fatally stabbed in the face, neck, and shoulder.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Robert Brittin, a 34-year-old man who was known to the victim. Brittin was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of offenses relating to motor vehicles, as he had fled the scene in Robin's maroon 2005 Chevrolet Impala. Authorities emphasized that this was not a random act of violence, as Brittin and Robin shared an address in Collinsville.
Brittin's criminal history revealed a pattern of violent and criminal behavior. Since 2005, he had been convicted of multiple felony thefts, drug possession, and other offenses. At the time of Robin's murder, Brittin was awaiting trial on charges of violating the sex offender act and burglary. He was also listed as a registered sex offender and was under an order of protection. Following his arrest, Brittin was held on a $2 million bond.
In August 2022, Circuit Judge Kyle Napp sentenced Robert Brittin to 35 years in prison for the first-degree murder of Robin Marie Mendez. The sentence was part of a plea agreement in which the car theft charge was dropped. The normal sentencing range for such a crime would have been 40 to 60 years. Brittin's violent actions and lengthy criminal record underscored the severity of his punishment.
Robin Marie Mendez's death was a profound loss to her community, friends, and family. Her life, marked by dedication and kindness, was tragically cut short by an act of senseless violence. The legal proceedings that followed sought to bring justice for Robin and her loved ones, ensuring that her memory would be honored and her killer held accountable.
