The man accused of fatally shooting Canadian golfer Mike Robinson during a trip to Wisconsin has officially entered a plea of not guilty. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Luis Cruz Burgos, faces a charge of first-degree reckless homicide for an incident that occurred on September 24, 2025.
A Celebration Turns to Tragedy
The victim, 32-year-old Giovanni "Mike" Robinson from Stouffville, Ontario, was in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, for an annual golf trip with family members. The day had been a triumphant one for Robinson, a former OHL player, as he had scored his first-ever hole-in-one. The group was celebrating the rare golfing feat at a local establishment, the Falls Tavern, where bartenders later described them as "nice" and non-confrontational.
After midnight on September 24, Robinson and his three companions attempted to secure a ride back to their hotel in Kohler, located roughly 8 kilometres away. Having difficulty with rideshare apps, they began negotiating with Cruz Burgos, who was reportedly making deliveries for DoorDash in a black Ford Escape.
The Dispute Over a Ride
According to the criminal complaint, a disagreement arose over the fare for the ride. Witness accounts varied, with one alleging Cruz Burgos initially requested $60 per person, while another stated he asked for a total of $40. The Canadian group refused to pay the price and decided to walk. Cruz Burgos later told detectives that one of the men called him "stupid" and flipped him off, though he and a witness claimed there was no direct dispute over money.
The entire sequence of events was captured on closed-circuit television. The footage showed Robinson's group leaving the bar at midnight and the subsequent shooting. At 12:08 a.m., a black SUV was seen fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. Another witness reported seeing the same Ford Escape slow down and fire a single shot.
Justice Sought for a New Father
Mike Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene from a single gunshot wound. His death is a profound tragedy for his family, as he was a new father, having welcomed a baby daughter just months before in August.
In a heartfelt statement, Robinson's family expressed their gratitude. "We would like to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to the police department for acting swiftly and making the arrest," the statement read. "We are equally thankful for the incredible support of the community, whose strength and unity helped bring this case to a resolution." They also thanked the Inn on Woodlake and the Wenig Funeral Home for their support.
Luis Cruz Burgos, who according to court records is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2019 domestic incident order from Florida, has denied any wrongdoing. If convicted on the charge of first-degree reckless homicide, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 60 years in prison.
