Wichita, KS – A tense sentencing hearing for a fatal 2022 shooting at Towne East Square Mall descended into chaos Tuesday as a physical altercation broke out in the Sedgwick County courtroom. The hearing was for Te’bryis Robinson, 19, who was convicted of killing 14-year-old TrenJ’vious “Tubby” Hutton.
The courtroom drama unfolded after an emotional impact statement from Hutton’s mother, Jeannette Dees. Dees addressed the judge, expressing the profound loss of her son and her belief that the justice system was not adequately recognizing the value of his life.
“My son’s life is worth more than 20 years,” Dees stated forcefully.
Dees further ignited tensions by alleging that Robinson had released rap songs while incarcerated, boasting about the shooting. She claimed one song, titled “Tubby Attack,” described making her cry and shooting Hutton six times. Dees repeatedly asserted her belief that Robinson had shown no remorse for his actions.
“He don’t care,” she said. “He said in the interrogation part that he put himself in the fight. He wasn’t even in the fight … he jumped in the fight.”
Following Dees’ powerful testimony, emotions in the courtroom escalated. Several individuals stood up, and their verbal expressions turned aggressive. Despite attempts by the judge and deputies to restore order, a punch was thrown, triggering a full-blown brawl.
The physical altercation quickly moved in the direction of a woman holding a baby. Deputies present in the courtroom prioritized the safety of the infant while simultaneously working to break up the fight.
The intense scene lasted approximately 30 seconds before deputies were able to regain control. Some individuals involved in the brawl were asked to leave the courtroom, while others were permitted to remain for the continuation of the sentencing hearing.
The case stems from an incident on March 18, 2022, when shots rang out inside Towne East Square Mall, causing widespread panic as shoppers sought cover. Hutton was struck by the gunfire and tragically died at the scene.
According to police reports, Robinson, who was 16 years old at the time of the shooting, fired the shots amidst an ongoing dispute with others present at the mall.
Last July, Robinson, now 19, entered a no contest plea to charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated battery. A subsequent attempt by Robinson to withdraw his plea was denied by the judge last month.
