Wife Of Porter Man Killed By Nephew Says It Was Self-Defense

Family members, including the victim's wife, said they don't want a highly decorated combat veteran to face charges for killing his uncle.

Max Robinson is charged with first degree murder for the shooting, which happened in Porter, but family members said it was a clear case of self-defense.

Tamara Flores-Cline said the last few months have been traumatic, not just for her, but for her entire family.

"It's heartbreaking," she said.

In early April, her husband was shot and killed at their Porter home. One of her nephews, Max Robinson, is charged with murder.

4/2/2014 Related Story: Porter Man Shot Dead; Nephews Arrested

"I hope Max is released," she said.

Flores-Cline wasn't there when her husband Bob was killed. She said he was a good man, but when he drank alcohol, Cline often became violent.

"Max had gone over there to make sure it was okay if I went back home because Bob was violent that day," she said.

Max's brother, Chase Robinson, said, "My uncle Bob was a very big figure in my life, but he also had a Jekyl-Hyde personality."

Max Robinson told investigators his uncle came at him with a machete.

Flores-Cline said the shooting is self-defense, and she couldn't believe her nephew was charged in her husband's death.

"I was angry and then I felt bad for Max and, you know, I lost my husband, and that was horrible," Flores-Cline said.

Robinson is being held without bond in the Wagoner County jail.

He served in Afghanistan with Oklahoma's 45th Infantry, receiving the bronze star, and other commendations and medals for saving the lives of fellow soldiers by killing several heavily armed insurgents, and then treating soldiers who were wounded.

"Pulled out his nine-millimeter Beretta pistol and fought back the insurgents," Chase said.

Family members said Robinson didn't show signs of PTSD when he got home, and that his uncle gave him no choice but to shoot.

"100 percent without a doubt, I believe that Max acted in self-defense. His hand was forced in self-defense," said Chase.

Max Robinson's family hopes prosecutors change their mind, and drop the murder charge against him.

The Wagoner County DA recused their office from the case.

Robinson's attorneys plan to file a motion saying the Tulsa County DA's office lacks jurisdiction and authority to prosecute the case. They'll also ask that bond be set.