SAGINAW, MI — In a significant development nearly a decade after a devastating crime shook the community, the Michigan Court of Appeals has overturned the murder convictions of Stephon L. Roby, who was previously found guilty of the brutal 2014 murders of his mother and younger sister. This decision has opened the door for a new trial, following a detailed review that identified multiple legal errors affecting the fairness of the original proceedings.
Stephon Roby, who chose to represent himself during his trial, was convicted by a jury and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The charges stemmed from the tragic deaths of Kimberly Roby, age 52, and Kayla Roby, age 16, whose bodies were found in their home in Saginaw. The crime scene was described by investigators as violent and deeply unsettling, leaving a lasting scar on the local community.
However, the recent appellate ruling has brought to light critical flaws in the original trial process. In a comprehensive 20-page opinion issued in June 2025, a panel of three appellate judges meticulously outlined how “cumulative errors” undermined the fairness of the trial. A major point of concern was the court’s failure to adequately address Roby’s decision to proceed without legal counsel.
While the right to self-representation is constitutionally protected, the judges emphasized that the trial court did not properly ensure Roby understood the complexities and consequences of such a choice, particularly given the serious nature of the charges. Roby’s lack of formal legal training severely impaired his ability to mount a competent defense, which the appellate court found to be a serious injustice.
Beyond self-representation, the ruling highlighted mishandling of critical evidentiary issues, improper jury instructions, and procedural errors. These mistakes, when combined, were deemed to have compromised the integrity of the trial to the extent that the convictions could not stand. The court made clear that justice depends not only on the final verdict but on a process that respects the defendant’s rights and upholds rigorous legal standards.
Following the vacating of his convictions, Roby has been transferred from his current prison facility to the Saginaw County Jail, where he will await a new trial. It remains uncertain whether he will again opt to represent himself or secure legal counsel for the retrial.
The Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office has publicly acknowledged the appellate decision and is actively preparing for the retrial, although no specific date has been announced. The decision to retry the case reintroduces difficult emotions and questions within a community still grappling with the original crime’s impact.
In 2014, the murders of Kimberly and Kayla Roby sent shockwaves through Saginaw, not only because of their tragic nature but also because of the familial ties involved. The reopening of the case offers an opportunity to ensure that justice is served through a process that is fair and just.
As this legal saga continues, family members of the victims, friends, and the broader community face the challenge of revisiting a painful chapter while hoping that the renewed proceedings will bring clarity and resolution.
The appellate court’s ruling underscores the vital importance of legal protections and the necessity of competent representation, especially in cases where a defendant’s freedom and life are at stake. It also serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is a continual process that demands vigilance, fairness, and accountability.
Residents of Saginaw, while mourning the original tragedy, are now watching closely as the justice system undertakes its responsibility to correct past errors and move toward a conclusive and fair resolution in this deeply emotional case.
