Scattered toys and children's bicycles in the backyard at 2013 S. 11th St. serve as a stark reminder of what used to be.
A family of five was reduced to a broken family of four in the early hours of Friday. Randal L. Sands, 40, lay dead in his home, victim of a gunshot wound, allegedly at the hand of his own wife, Robin Denise Sands, 35.
Ms. Sands is charged with a Class A felony of second-degree murder and was being held in police custody Friday without bond. Conviction of the charge carries a 10 to 30 years or life sentence.
According to the probable cause statement, Mrs. Sands shot her husband in the back while he was sleeping. No motive was given.
Mrs. Sands called St. Joseph Police Department officers to the scene at about 6 a.m. Mrs. Sands said she had shot Mr. Sands, according to the statement. Emergency medical workers confirmed that the man was dead. The children, ages 11, 5 and 3, apparently were in the home at the time of the shooting and were dispersed to relatives, according to the Police Department.
Crime scene detectives worked inside a perimeter of yellow tape until about 10:30 a.m.
The Sands' small, white, single-story home is split into a duplex in the shadow of the U.S. Highway 36 overpass between Pacific and Scott streets. Steve Cilne, the tenant on the other side of the wall, said he heard nothing in the night.
"He seemed like a good neighbor," Mr. Cilne said of Mr. Sands, hinting that nothing seemed askew.
St. Joseph had one homicide last year and none in 2006, according to police records.
Jimmy Myers can be reached at jimmym@npgco.com.
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Candi says...
I feel horrible for the kids.
August 9, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kristi (Kristi Rasmussen) says...
Editor's note: While your comments are encouraged, this is a reminder that we cannot allow comments that assume someone's guilt. Ms. Sands has been charged with this crime, however, she hasn't been convicted. Please keep that in mind while posting. Thank you.
August 9, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stjoelady06 says...
I personally know Mrs. Sands and something doesn't seem right. There's got to be more going on that we don't know about for her to do something like this. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this time. These kids have lost both parents and have been real victims of this. Please keep them all in your prayers.
August 9, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
azmaggie says...
How sad!! My prayers are with the whole family.
August 9, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gjwatson says...
I have know Robin for quite sometime.I remember her walking across the stage of Krug Park in 1991 to receive her high school diploma.She was just ahead of our son,Danny Watson,Jr.Then I started working with Robin at the Holiday Inn and then got to know Randy through her.After they were married Randy,the girls and Robin used to stop by for visits.We enjoyed their company.Robin stayed close to us after we lost Danny Jr and his fiance in a double homicide here in St Jo in 2004.She really liked Danny Jr.We talked about the trial and things.Though we may think we know someone sometimes there are torments in the heart and soul that we can never see but that person can.Believe me ,Robin,Randy and girls and families I have deeply prayed for you all with what heart and soul I have left.Love you all.Gloria
August 9, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lonzo says...
one life taken leaves emptyness for brothers & sisters neices nephews cousins grandmas grandpas moms freinds & three Daddys girls so tragic with no reason .
Lonnie sands . Big Brother
August 9, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stjoelady06 says...
At a time like this it leaves everyone wondering "why?" Nobody will ever know what was going through Robin's head that morning, why she says she did this, why 3 kids are left parentless, why a family is left without a brother, father, husband, son and friend. However, everyone has to keep in mind the three little girls that will have to continue on without the love of parents and quit trying to slam Robin. She obviously wasn't in the correct frame of mind and she's the one that will have to suffer the consequences of her actions if she's proven to be the guilty one. So quit trying to blame someone, she's taken the blame. Think about these kids and family that has lost someone they love and keep them in your prayers.
August 10, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tom1958 says...
No one knows what happenend for sure, and yes I believe her name should be in the obiturary. The news doesnt know everything that is going on, I am sure the police is holding some information back since they are still investigating. I dont know her, but maybe it went off accidently, even if it was not an accident, family is always the last to know if there is something wrong in a marriage. I just hope the family that has those children do not hurt the children more, by blaming the mother, or saying bad stuff about the mother, it will not help anyone. You may not think that they understand, but believe me they do, they loved both parents, and this is a tagedy for everyone but especially the children. My thoughts and prayers go out to both sides of the family and especially the children.
August 10, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rshadduck says...
This is a true tragedy. Noone does know what happen for sure and I also think that her name belongs in the obituary. Everyone needs to keep in mind that there is pain and suffering for Randy's family, Robin's family and the 3 girls. They are all loved my many friends and family as well. Robin's family has lost a brother-in-law that they loved and an uncle that was loved. Randy was a truly caring individual and he loved his family. Robin is a truly caring individual that loves her family as well. Both Randy and Robin's family need to work together and remember that there is pain on both sides, but the future of the 3 girls is what is going to be the most important thing from here on out. My deepest prayers are with everyone that is stricken with grief during this tragic time, a true tragedy for all involved.
August 10, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kathyh says...
We have known Robin for years and this woman definately has never been violent. Something must have been happening for her to snap like that. Its doesnt make it right whats happend, and im not feeling less sympathetic for randys family, however, sometimes things are not what they seem. Some kind of problem must have been happening that noone knew of. This is such a shock to everyone who knew that couple. May god bless everyone in this awful tragedy.
August 11, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
deb2007 says...
Editor's note: While your comments are encouraged, this is a reminder that we cannot allow comments that assume someone's guilt. Ms. Sands has been charged with this crime, however, she hasn't been convicted. Please keep that in mind while posting. Thank you.
What bull. there was a high profile case not long ago, and you allowed quite a few comments about guilt.
August 11, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rxyrch says...
After having experienced the pirhana media frenzy which will follow as well as those who have definite opinions already on guilt or innocence, i feel sorry for this woman. no one knows what happened but her and her husband. and everyone should keep their opinions to themselves. and to the editor, hmmm guess that is a new policy, right?
August 11, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
younggrandma says...
This message is to LONZO. I am so sorry for your family's tragic loss and understand completely your feelings. Please remember your family's job now is to be there for those three little ladies. They will need strong male figures more than ever now and forever. I know this because my grandchildren have strong uncles and grandfathers that have taken an absent fathers place. This takes very little money just love, time and a lap to set on. Good luck to your family and please know your brother will be looking down on you and smiling.
August 12, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )