Introduction: When Online Romance Turned Into a True Crime Nightmare
In the digital age, love stories often begin with a swipe, a message, or a late-night video call. But sometimes, the promise of romance hides something far darker.
In early 2026, a chilling real-life case returned to the spotlight with the release of Lifetime’s true-crime thriller The Dating App Killer: The Monica White Story. The film, released as Valentine’s Day counter-programming, reignited global interest in Anthony Eugene Robinson, the serial killer dubbed the “Shopping Cart Killer.”
What makes this case particularly haunting is not just the brutality of his crimes—but how ordinary his digital persona appeared. To victims and dates alike, Robinson seemed charming, attentive, and sincere. Behind the screen, however, investigators say he was a calculated predator who used online dating platforms to find vulnerable women.
This article explores the full timeline of Robinson’s crimes, the women linked to him, Monica White’s narrow escape, and why the case remains one of the most disturbing cautionary tales of modern online dating.
Who Is Anthony Eugene Robinson? Background and Early Life
Anthony Eugene Robinson was born on September 3, 1986. He grew up in Virginia and lived a transient lifestyle, frequently changing jobs and relocating across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
On dating platforms, Robinson portrayed himself as a family-oriented man. He claimed to be a father, spoke about losing an infant son, and said he had a school-aged daughter. He also claimed to be a preschool teacher and often expressed a preference for older women—details that matched the profiles of his eventual victims.
Investigators later described Robinson as a “hunter and predator,” someone who carefully curated his online image to lure women into trusting him.
The Crimes: How Robinson Used Dating Apps to Target Victims
Robinson is believed to have met multiple women through dating apps such as Tagged and Plenty of Fish. His pattern was consistent:
- He initiated friendly, flattering conversations.
- He built emotional trust quickly.
- He arranged meetings at hotels or motels.
- After meeting in person, the victims disappeared.
One of the most chilling details of the case is how he disposed of victims’ bodies—using shopping carts to transport them to vacant lots or remote areas. This grotesque method earned him the nickname “Shopping Cart Killer.”
Confirmed Victims and Convictions
The Discovery That Led to His Arrest
On November 23, 2021, police discovered the bodies of two women in a vacant lot behind a Howard Johnson Motel in Harrisonburg, Virginia, near an abandoned shopping cart. The discovery led to Robinson’s arrest.
Convicted Victims
- Allene Elizabeth “Beth” Redmon, 54, from Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Tonita Lorice Smith, 39, from Charlottesville, Virginia
Authorities believe both women were killed between October 24 and November 14, 2021.
Evidence Linking Robinson
- Surveillance footage showing him transporting bodies with shopping carts
- Cellphone records placing him with the victims
- Physical and forensic evidence found at the scenes
Trial and Verdict
Robinson’s trial took place in January 2025 in Harrisonburg/Rockingham Circuit Court and lasted four days.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning a guilty verdict.
Charges and Verdict
- Two counts of aggravated murder
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- Two counts of concealing a dead body
Recommended Sentence
- Four life sentences (mandatory for aggravated murder)
- 10 additional years in prison
- $400,000 fine
His formal sentencing hearing has been delayed multiple times and is currently scheduled for May 22, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
Suspected Additional Victims: A Total of Six Linked Cases
Beyond the two confirmed murders, authorities believe Robinson may be responsible for at least four additional deaths, bringing the suspected total to six.
Women Linked to Robinson (Uncharged Cases)
- Cheyenne Brown (29) – Found near a shopping cart in Fairfax County, Virginia (September 2021)
- Stephanie Harrison (48) – Found alongside Brown in the same area
- Sonya Champ – Remains discovered in a shopping cart in Washington, D.C.
- Skye Allen – Investigated as a potential victim in Prince George’s County, Maryland
While Robinson has not been formally charged in these cases, police have publicly connected him based on patterns, movements, and forensic evidence such as DNA.
Timeline Table: Key Events in the Anthony Robinson Case
| Date | Event | Name / Location | Official Details |
| Sept 3, 1986 | Birth | Anthony Eugene Robinson | Born in the U.S. |
| Sept 2021 | Bodies found | Cheyenne Brown & Stephanie Harrison | Fairfax County, VA |
| Sept 2021 | Body discovered | Sonya Champ | Washington, D.C. |
| Oct 24–Nov 14, 2021 | Estimated deaths | Redmon & Smith | Harrisonburg, VA |
| Nov 23, 2021 | Arrest | Harrisonburg, VA | Bodies found near motel |
| Jan 2025 | Trial | Harrisonburg Circuit Court | Guilty verdict |
| Sept 2025 | Sentencing scheduled | Delayed | Mandatory life sentences |
| Dec 2025 | Sentencing delayed again | — | Continued investigation |
| May 22, 2026 | Current sentencing date | Rockingham County Circuit Court | Pending |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Lifetime movie premiere | The Dating App Killer | Renewed public attention |
Monica White: The Survivor Who Narrowly Escaped
How Monica White Met Robinson
Monica White, a 56-year-old Harrisburg, Pennsylvania resident, met Robinson on the dating app Tagged in the fall of 2020. At the time, she was recently divorced and looking to start dating again.
Their relationship lasted from late 2020 to early 2021 and began as what she described as a “whirlwind romance.”
Red Flags Monica White Noticed
In interviews with People magazine and The Washington Post, White described several warning signs she noticed in hindsight:
- Robinson preferred older women—matching his victim profile
- He displayed controlling and erratic behavior
- He had sudden mood swings where she “saw him snap”
- He was evasive about his past and frequently changed jobs and locations
- One disturbing incident left her shocked and fearful
White ultimately ended the relationship months before Robinson’s arrest.
“Lucky to Be Alive”
After learning about Robinson’s crimes, White publicly stated she felt “lucky to be alive” and knew something was wrong with him. Her survival story later became the basis for the Lifetime film released in 2026.
The Lifetime Movie: The Dating App Killer (2026)
Overview of the Film
The Dating App Killer: The Monica White Story premiered on February 14, 2026, on Lifetime. The film was positioned as Valentine’s Day counter-programming, emphasizing the dangers of online dating.
Key Production Details
- Director & Executive Producer: Elisabeth Röhm
- Writers: Miriam Van Emst and David Weaver
- Production Companies: PF Birch Productions Inc. and Rohm Feifer Entertainment
- Runtime: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Rating: TV-14
- Genre: True crime-inspired thriller/drama
Cast
- Lela Rochon as Monica White
- Jarod Joseph as Anthony Robinson
- Supporting cast includes secondary characters such as Vanessa and others
Plot Summary
The movie follows Monica White, a recent divorcee who begins dating again after sending her son to military school. She meets Anthony Robinson online and believes she has found a genuine connection.
As their relationship progresses, Robinson’s behavior becomes increasingly menacing. Monica ultimately trusts her instincts and removes him from her home before things escalate.
Later, she connects the dots between his suspicious behavior and a series of murders, realizing she may have narrowly escaped becoming one of his victims.
Public Reaction and Social Media Trends (2026)
The release of the Lifetime movie triggered renewed interest in the case across multiple platforms:
- TikTok: Videos under hashtags like “Who Is Monica White’s Dating a Killer Story” recap her survival and Robinson’s crimes.
- Instagram: People magazine posts (originally from 2024) resurfaced, highlighting White’s interviews.
- X (Twitter): Discussions from 2024–2026 link to articles about Robinson and broader conversations about dating app safety.
- News Coverage: Yahoo Entertainment, A&E True Crime, and local outlets revisited the case and ongoing investigations.
The film served as both entertainment and a cautionary tale about online dating risks.
Why This Case Still Matters in 2026
A Digital Age Predator
Robinson’s case is a stark reminder of how technology can be exploited. He used modern dating platforms to identify, charm, and ultimately prey on victims.
Investigators believe his ability to fabricate personal stories and move frequently helped him avoid detection for years.
Ongoing Investigations
As of February 2026:
- Robinson remains incarcerated awaiting sentencing.
- No new charges have been filed for the suspected additional victims.
- Authorities continue investigating potential links to other deaths.
Lessons From the Shopping Cart Killer Case
Online Dating Safety Takeaways
Monica White’s story and Robinson’s crimes highlight key safety lessons:
- Be cautious with personal information
- Meet in public places first
- Watch for inconsistent stories and evasive behavior
- Trust instincts and act on red flags
- Share meeting details with trusted friends or family
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Modern Dating
The story of Anthony Eugene Robinson is one of the most chilling examples of how a seemingly ordinary digital romance can mask unimaginable danger.
From his 2021 arrest to his 2025 conviction and the renewed attention in 2026 through Lifetime’s The Dating App Killer, the case continues to resonate as a warning about online dating vulnerabilities.
Monica White’s survival story adds a rare and powerful perspective—proof that instincts and awareness can save lives. As Robinson awaits sentencing and investigators continue probing additional cases, the “Shopping Cart Killer” remains a haunting symbol of how predators can hide behind curated online personas.
In an era where connections are made with a swipe, this case serves as a sobering reminder: not every love story online is what it seems.
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