Thursday, June 11, 2009 6:34 PM CDT
State's attorney: Robbery suspect hinted at suicide before shooting
Weapon was modified BB gun
In a cell phone conversation during a police pursuit that ended in his death Jan. 5, Robert Sylvester Sr. told his son he was not going back to prison. | Yoder's press release (PDF) | Photo gallery | Sylvester's son received card at hospital | Videos document shooting
In a report released Thursday, McLean County State’s Attorney Bill Yoder ruled police were justified in shooting Sylvester. He was a serial bank robbery suspect who was armed with a modified air pistol when he confronted police on Interstate 55 near the split with Interstate 74, northwest of Normal.
The report is the first time authorities have confirmed that Sylvester’s weapon was a BB gun with its barrel drilled out to resemble a real firearm.
Although several officers fired shots, an unidentified state trooper fired the fatal shot to Sylvester’s head, said the report.
No criminal charges or action will be taken related to the shooting, said Yoder.
Recovered from Sylvester’s car was $2,420 in cash and a receipt for the air pistol found near his body. An additional $2,150 was found in his wallet, according to investigation results.
No BBs or real weapons were found in the vehicle, according to information disclosed Thursday at Sylvester’s inquest.
Toxicology reports indicated that Sylvester had in his system at the time of his death the following substances: THC, the primary substance that produces the effects of marijuana; Venlafaxine, a prescription antidepressant marketed under the brand name Effexor; a medication to treat high blood pressure and caffeine.
Final moments
Sylvester, a Bloomington resident, was suspected in the Jan. 5 armed robbery of Check ’n Go on West Market Street that led to a police pursuit.
Officers from the McLean County Sheriff’s Department, Bloomington, Normal, Illinois State University and Lexington police departments and state police were involved in the pursuit that ended after Sylvester drove his sport utility vehicle into a median on southbound Interstate 55 adjacent to Normal Community West High School.
As he maneuvered his SUV during the police chase, which went as far north as Lexington and looped around Lake Bloomington, Sylvester spoke with Rob Sylvester Jr. in a phone call. The son’s identity as the call recipient was disclosed at an inquest Thursday into Sylvester’s death.
The son also received a voice mail from Sylvester stating, “Goodbye, I love you and God bless you,” Yoder’s report said.
Twin City police cleared six armed robbery cases after the death of Sylvester, who previously served time in federal prison on drug charges.
Court records indicate that the former ironworker was experiencing financial difficulties.
Sylvester's son received card at hospital
Robert Sylvester’s plans during the last few days of his life included the personal delivery of a birthday card to his son, Rob Sylvester Jr.
The contents of the card and its final regrets and wishes were read Thursday during an inquest into Sylvester’s death. A McLean County coroner’s jury deliberated for two hours before ruling his death was a justifiable homicide.
The father and son never got together before Robert Sylvester was killed Jan. 5 as police pursued him as a suspect in an armed robbery.
Rob Sylvester was given the card at the hospital by a relative when family gathered after his father was shot. “I’m so proud of you and love hearing everyone talking about how nice you are, how good you are because you are a hard worker,” Sylvester wrote to his son.
Robert Sylvester expressed regrets that he was not a better father to his daughter, Mindy.
“I’ll die hating myself for that. I still don’t feel that I deserve to be around you or Mindy but please always remember I do and always have loved you kids more than life,” wrote Sylvester.
Sylvester acknowledged struggles he may have had with mental health issues. Toxicology results indicated he was taking antidepressants, according to McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling.
“Please never weep over me for anything. Just think this: I’ll be at rest. This 10,000-mile mph mind will finally be at rest. Maybe I’ll have peace of mind for the first time in my life. I’m fine,” the card read.
Illinois State Police Special Agent Scott Watkins told the inquest panel that members of Sylvester’s family told investigators they did not believe Sylvester was suicidal or intended to die during the police chase. The family believed Sylvester had plans to travel to Indiana for a job as an ironworker.
