Man died of stabbed wounds, coroner says

Man, 30, charged with murder in city’s first homicide of 2010; police look for motive.

MIDDLETOWN — Deionte Robinson, 21, of Middletown, died of multiple stab wounds, according to the Warren County Coroner’s Office this morning, April 22.

Robinson was allegedly stabbed by Clem Howard, 30, of Middletown, Wednesday, April 21 outside of a Jackson Lane bar.

Howard is accused of fatally stabbing Robinson during an altercation in the parking lot of Take A Break Lounge at about 2 a.m., according to police.

A group of patrons left the establishment about 30 minutes before last call and an argument ensued just a few feet from the front door, outside the view of a nearby security camera, according to reports.

Robinson, who was allegedly stabbed multiple times in his leg and chest by Howard, was pronounced dead a short time later at Atrium Medical Center.

After more than 10 hours of interviewing witnesses Wednesday, Middletown detectives were still looking for a motive in the city’s first homicide of 2010.

Lt. Rodney Muterspaw of the Middletown Division of Police called Take A Break Lounge, located at 1217 Jackson Lane, “probably the most problematic bar in the city right now.”

Owner, Jason Hall, 36, said he’s tried to weed out problem customers since purchasing the lounge nine months ago. Hall said he can’t control what happens outside of his establishment.

“Sometimes, people make stupid decisions,” he said.

Muterspaw said Middletown police were “very familiar” with Howard, who has 28 prior offenses listed through the Middletown Municipal Court.

Howard is being held in the Middletown City Jail.

He was arraigned Wednesday in Middletown Municipal Court, where a preliminary hearing was set for 2:30 p.m. April 28, according to court records. Howard’s bond has been set at $1 million according to court records.

Staff writer Eric Robinette contributed to this report.

About the Author