By Greg Ellison

(March 10, 2022) Berlin resident Robert Skinkle, 32, who was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter stemming from the overdose death of Christopher Taylor, had his conviction overturned last month by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.

In May 2016, Skinkle was convicted in Worcester Circuit Court of involuntary manslaughter, distribution of heroin, possession of heroin and reckless endangerment for providing Taylor five bags of heroin that resulted in an overdose.

In November 2015, Berlin Police and EMS responders found Taylor unconsciousness inside a residence on Pitts Street and subsequently uncovered evidence of drug use.

After examining Taylor’s cell phone at the scene, police discovered Skinkle was one of the most recent calls made.

Investigators proceeded to contact Skinkle claiming to be a cohort of Taylor seeking heroin, to which he reportedly admitted having access.

Police also uncovered text messages between Taylor and Skinkle concerning the sale of five bags of heroin for $50, which Skinkle allegedly delivered in person.

Investigators said after the pair injected heroin inside the Pitts Street residence, Taylor exhibited signs of lethal intoxication, at which point Skinkle researched the topic on his phone.

During court proceedings in 2016, Skinkle said he witnessed Taylor pass out after shooting up and tried in vain to lend assistance.

The recent decision from the Maryland Court of Special Appeals reverses the involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment convictions, while also sending the case back to Worcester Circuit Court for resentencing on possession and distribution charges.

The appeals court concluded there was a lack of evidence that Skinkle sold illegal substances to others or had any inkling the heroin procured contained other potent opioids.

In its opinion issued on Feb. 17  the appeals court said the prosecution’s evidence did not show Skinkle knew of the potential dangers associated with heroin, and therefore did not support a finding that his conduct amounted to wanton and reckless disregard for human life.