Man Convicted of All Charges for the Murder of Akia Eggleston and Her Unborn Child

Baltimore, Md. (July 27, 2023) - Today, State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced that Michael Robertson was found guilty of all charges for the murder of Akia Shawnta Eggleston and her unborn child in May of 2017. Robertson faces two Life sentences in prison at sentencing on October 25, 2023. Assistant State's Attorney Kurt Bjorklund prosecuted this case.

“This conviction is a testament to the strong, successful partnerships that exist between the State's Attorney's Office, the Baltimore Police Department, and our surrounding law enforcement agencies. I want to thank my homicide prosecutors, Missing Persons, BPD Homicide Detectives, and the FBI for bringing closure to Akia Eggleston’s family after so many years of waiting," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “Securing a conviction of this magnitude where there has never been a body found in a purely circumstantial case is a testament to ASA Bjorklund and the professionals in my homicide division. Today's verdict sends a clear and resounding message to residents that the Office of the State's Attorney takes any homicide in Baltimore gravely serious and will be relentless in the pursuit of justice.”

On May 7, 2017, family members reported Akia Shawnta Eggleston, 22, missing after she failed to appear at her baby shower. For several hours, friends and family unsuccessfully tried to locate Eggleston, who was eight months pregnant. The last time anyone reported seeing Eggleston alive was on the afternoon of May 3, 2017.

“This case represents a monumental achievement for our Department, especially Lt. McLarney and Detective Beauregard, in bringing justice to Akia Eggleston, her unborn child and her loved ones,” said Acting Commissioner Richard Worley. “I want to thank the State’s Attorney’s Office, FBI Baltimore and all those involved for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a close. This is another example of the ongoing collaboration that makes it possible to identify and apprehend those responsible for violence in our city, in the present as well as the past.”

Mr. Robertson was the father of Ms. Eggleston’s soon-to-be-born child. Robertson misled Eggleston into believing they were moving in together with plans to start a life together. He concocted an intricate ruse involving a false move-in location that ultimately led to Eggleston withdrawing cash for a down payment for the home. Throughout multiple interviews, Robertson purportedly lied to investigators regarding relevant details of his relationship with Eggleston and actions surrounding her disappearance. The suspicious circumstances of Eggleston's disappearance have garnered national attention from media outlets and victim advocacy groups.

“This verdict will hopefully bring Akia Eggleston’s family some comfort that justice is being served,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “I am grateful that my office was able to assist our law enforcement partners to make this happen.”

Click here to download the full Statement of Probable Cause.