‘One of the wildest 911 calls I took’: Elderly Mississippi man shoots woman in leg when she refuses consent

According to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office, a 78-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after he shot a woman in the leg who “refused to get naked and have sex with him.”

Steven Robertson, of Hernando, Mississippi, was convicted of two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities say the incident occurred when Robertson demanded sex from a woman and shot her in the leg when she refused.

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said in a statement. “When his son attempted to intervene and take the gun away, he also fired shots at his son.” It’s unclear when the shooting happened.

“I’m glad this guy is being held accountable”

Responding to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office post about Robertson’s sentencing, someone said, “One of the wildest 911 calls I took in my time as a dispatcher was this call. I’m glad this guy is being held accountable and getting the punishment he deserves.”

Circuit Court Judge Celeste Wilson sentenced Robertson to two 15-year sentences to be served consecutively, for a total of 30 years.

“At 78 years old, this is effectively a life sentence for Mr. Robertson, who will live the rest of his life in a striped jumpsuit,” Barton said.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ben Weathers. Barton emphasized that violent crimes are taken seriously in his jurisdiction.

“Our office takes violent crime seriously in DeSoto County, and we will continue to hold offenders fully accountable when they endanger others,” Barton stated.

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation following the initial 911 call. Officials have not released the identities of the woman or Robertson’s son. Robertson is currently in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. It’s also unclear if Robertson had any previous criminal record.

Local media outlets have closely followed the case because of the unsettling details of the crime and the unusual age of the perpetrator. No additional motive beyond the demand for sex has been made public.