Lee murder trial begins Monday

Published 10:57 pm Friday, January 27, 2012

A Suffolk man will stand trial on Monday for the murder of a Southampton County man.

Robinson

Darrin Robinson, 22, is charged with first-degree murder for the shooting death of Darrin Lee on Oct. 7, 2010. The trial will start at 9:30 a.m. in Southampton County Circuit Court and could last two days.

Bruce Boone, 19, of Suffolk, in September admitted to second-degree murder for Lee’s death and faces eight to 18 years in prison. He avoided the possibility of life in prison by making the deal.

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Ernest Jones, 23, of Portsmouth, admitted to second-degree murder and faces 13 to 23 years in prison.

Sentencing has yet to be scheduled for both.

Shahon Cumbo, 23, of Franklin, is scheduled for a jury trial on Feb. 6 for first-degree murder.

Rasheed Brown, 22, of Franklin, who was named by Boone as the triggerman, is also charged with first-degree murder and has a jury trial scheduled for March 6.

Lee — a well-known drug dealer, according to prosecutors — was abducted by the suspects from Man Market on South Street in Franklin and taken to his home. Lee, 28, drove them to his home, but was reluctant to let them inside, because he had family there. During the incident, a car pulled up and flashed its lights. That’s when the shooting occurred.