Man on trial again for involuntary manslaughter after original conviction thrown out

Posted on June 9, 2015
Xavier Cordova, 30, of Chicago was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for the death of his roommate, Mitch Robinson. (Photo courtesy McLean County Jail)
Xavier Cordova, 30, of Chicago was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for the death of his roommate, Mitch Robinson. (Photo courtesy McLean County Jail)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County jury won’t hear statements a suspect made to police following the death of his roommate.

Xavier Cordova, 30, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for the death of Mitch Robinson, but he was released on appeal because the incriminating statements were given before Cordova was read his Miranda Rights. The Fourth District Appellate Court ruled they should not have been admitted into evidence during Cordova’s original trial.

Cordova’s new trial began Tuesday at the McLean County Law and Justice Center.

His defense lawyers said Robinson was suicidal and mixed alcohol with prescription drugs during a party in Normal in 2009. The prosecution contends Cordova was frustrated with Robinson’s loud and drunk behavior and put him in a chokehold so Robinson would go to sleep.

He already served 18 months of a 8 1/2-year sentence and could see a total of three to 14 years if convicted again.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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