Dillingham Released From State Custody

A teenager who stabbed his classmate to death on a school bus is free. Daniel Dillingham was convicted of killing 16-year-old Andy Robinson with a kitchen knife in 2003.

The News On 6's Chris Wright reports a Wagoner County judge ordered Dillingham released on Wednesday, one day before his 20th birthday. His lawyer says he is no longer resembles the boy who committed that murder almost five years ago.

In December of 2003, Daniel Dillingham snapped on board a school bus and stabbed classmate Andy Robinson in the heart. He claimed Andy had picked on him. Robinson died and Dillingham was found a few hours later.

Dillingham was 15 at the time; he was originally sentenced as an adult. That decision was later overturned on appeal. He's spent the last four years at the Rader Treatment Center in Tulsa.

His lawyer says Daniel is prepared to be a free man.

"I think he's ready. He's made a remarkable recovery. He's made remarkable progress," said Dillingham's attorney, Dennis Shook.

That progress included completing a mandatory five-step rehabilitation program. It focused on Dillingham's behavioral and physiological issues and took three years to complete.

Shook claims that Daniel is no longer a threat.

"I do not feel that Daniel is a danger or a problem to society," said Shook.

Andy Robinson's family has adamantly disagreed. They wanted to see Dillingham receive a stiffer sentence.

"My son never bothered this kid. Never had any problems with this kid, he back jumped him.  And they're going to give him a slap on the wrist and let him go," said Andy Robinson's stepfather, Daymond Hardin in 2004.

Wagoner County though feels Dillingham has served his debt to society and he will spend his 20th birthday a free man.

The News On 6 was unable to get in touch with any members of Andy Robinson's family on Wednesday.

Dillingham's lawyer says that Dillingham plans on attending college in the fall.

Related stories:

6/26/2006  Judge's Praise Of Teen Killer Draws Fire From Victim's Family

4/11/2006  Judge Dismisses Assault Charge Against Porter Teen

12/1/2005  Daniel Dillingham To Remain At Rader Center