News

Actions

Autopsy of missing Norfolk mom reveals gruesome details

Posted at 5:39 PM, May 30, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-31 06:34:15-04

Norfolk, Va. - Phylicia Robinson's family spent nearly two months searching for the missing mom all over Ocean View, but her autopsy report says she was already dead from "undetermined homicidal violence."

Norfolk police said it was at the hands of Jamiel Graves, her next door neighbor.

Robinson's autopsy report says she was "mummified and stiff" when authorities discovered her body in Graves' closet last year. The autopsy report shows she was wearing a "Planet Fitness" T-shirt, which is the same clothing her family said she was wearing when they reported her missing last October.

The report also says Robinson's body was "wrapped in several layers of plastic and cloth."  The medical examiner wrote that parts of the plastic, cloth and Robinson's body were "coated with a white powder resembling lime."  Lime can be corrosive if left on the skin.

The report goes on to say the medical examiner's efforts to see if she was sexually assaulted before she died were "limited by insect activity".

In a video-taped interview reviewed during Graves' preliminary hearing for Robinson's murder in Norfolk Wednesday, he told Norfolk detectives that he got Robinson into his room the day she went missing and strangled her.

The medical examiner wrote, "The exact cause of death could not be determined at autopsy" but "the most likely cause of death is some form of asphyxia, i.e. strangulation or smothering."

Virginia Beach authorities say that's how Graves killed Mandi Myers, the mother of his children.  They found her body in her own closet in November.

Virginia Beach prosecutors have upgraded Graves' charges for Myers death to capital murder, meaning they may seek the death penalty for Graves.  A trial date has been set for late July.

Norfolk prosecutors tell NewsChannel 3 they have yet to decide if they'll do the same for Robinson's death.

Related: 

Jamiel Graves mental evaluation points to PTSD, cocaine abuse and hallucinations

Update: Man accused of killing ex-girlfriend, neighbor to appear in court

Case against man accused of strangling Beach mom goes to grand jury

Man accused of killing the mother of his children to appear in court

Man accused of killing Norfolk mother found competent to stand trial

Mother of murdered Norfolk woman now concerned about grandson’s safety

Man accused of killing two Hampton Roads mothers to undergo mental evaluation

Funeral held for slain mother

Murdered mother’s co-workers take action to help her 5-year-old son

Murder victim’s family worries former Army reservist charged will use PTSD as defense

Family celebrates Phylicia Robinson’s birthday

Man accused of killing Norfolk mother arraigned on murder charges

Sister of murdered Beach mom: ‘I’m still struggling with what I saw’

Murdered Beach mother met accused killer while serving together in Army Reserves

Man charged with murder of two women served in the military

Body of missing Norfolk mother found in neighbor’s closet

Family says body found in Norfolk has been identified

Family of missing Norfolk woman fears the worst after unidentified body is found

Officials say Beach woman allegedly killed by ex-boyfriend died from strangulation

Prosecutors could seek death penalty for man accused of strangling ex-girlfriend