Judge rules insufficient evidence to trial cold case murder

A man may avoid trial for a murder that happened 35 years ago. Buster Robbins, 69, was accused of killing Beverly Ann Wivell in 1989. During a preliminary hearing, Judge Karl Barr said he did not find enough evidence to link Robbins to the murder. He expressed belief that there is more to the case. The judge's decision means Robbins won’t go to trial right now. However, he has allowed the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to appeal the decision. A status meeting is scheduled for April 8. Robbins remains in custody as his bond request was denied. Wivell was reported missing after dropping her son at school in 1989. Her body was found later that day on the roadside. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing a car that Robbins' wife said resembled theirs. DNA evidence linked Robbins to the case, but his defense attorney argued it could have been deposited days before Wivell’s death. The judge confirmed there’s strong evidence Robbins was with Wivell but concluded the prosecution did not prove he caused her death. The victim's family expressed disappointment at the judge’s ruling and is seeking closure in the case.