CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — A man from Casa Grande, Arizona, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of a Good Samaritan who attempted to intervene in a domestic dispute. The convicted, Giovanni Olivieri, was found guilty of multiple charges, including second-degree murder, endangerment, and unlawful discharge of a weapon within city limits.
The incident occurred in September 2021, when Olivieri was involved in a heated argument with his girlfriend in a hotel parking lot. Brian Robinette, a 35-year-old father of two, witnessed the altercation and attempted to intervene. In response, Olivieri released his girlfriend and shot Robinette eight times, leading to his death.
Robinette, who was described as a gentle, music-loving individual by his older brother, Michael Bowling, had no prior connection to the couple. He was merely trying to help a woman in distress. Bowling described his brother as a “very timid,” “shy” and a “gentle person who could never stand to see someone get hurt.”
According to local reports, Robinette initially walked away after Olivieri brandished a gun. However, when the argument resumed, Robinette felt compelled to intervene again, leading to the fatal confrontation.
Olivieri was apprehended by the police at his girlfriend’s residence 12 hours after the incident. The Pinal County Superior Court found Olivieri guilty of multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including second-degree murder and endangerment. The court also found 12 aggravating factors in the case, which outweighed the mitigating factors.
The tragic incident has left a significant emotional impact on Robinette’s family and friends. At Olivieri’s sentencing hearing, Robinette was remembered as a loving father who enjoyed playing the guitar. His death has underscored the dangers faced by those who step in to help others, even as it highlights the courage of such Good Samaritans.