Lincolnton man to spend eight years in prison for death of Tyler Sims

HICKORY, NC (October 6, 2016)…A 22-year-old Lincolnton man will spend the next eight years in prison after pleading guilty on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, to traffic-related offenses that led to the death of a Caldwell County man.

Steffan Aleksander Robinson pleaded guilty to felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired, driving left of center and felony serious injury by vehicle in connection with the Aug. 3, 2015, death of 29-year-old Tyler Finley Sims of Granite Falls. Robinson also pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine precursors from a separate charge.

The Honorable Gregory R. Hayes, Superior Court Judge from Catawba County, sentenced Robinson to serve 8 to 12 years in custody of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. That prison time will run at the expiration of an active sentence Robinson already is serving for multiple probation violations.

In addition, Robinson will be required to pay $7,150 in restitution to the Sims family, and Judge Hayes ordered that the family provide a picture of Tyler Sims to the defendant that he is to keep with him at all times.

Sims’ death was a result of being struck head on by Robinson’s vehicle as he was biking southward to work along N.C. Highway 127 near Clark Tire in Hickory.

According to reports from Hickory Police Department, Sims was following traffic laws for bicyclists and wearing a helmet when Robinson’s vehicle swerved across multiple lanes and struck the bicyclist. Robinson’s vehicle, a 2007 Saturn Aura, also struck an unoccupied vehicle before crashing into a power pole and coming to a stop in the parking lot of Clark Tire on North Center Street.

Members of the Sims family were in court when Robinson entered his guilty plea. Tyler Sims’ mother Melissa and father Michael addressed the court, as did his widow Katie.

Sims’ parents spoke of choices in life and consequences associated with them.

“While he didn’t mean to kill anyone that day, the choice is why we are here today. There is no amount of time a judge could give to you to make us feel better for killing our son,” Melissa Sims said.

Michael Sims said, “On that weekend, Mr. Robinson did not act as a responsible citizen. What has been taken away from us is not something we would want anyone in this courtroom to endure.”

Katie Sims spoke of how her son, not even 3 years old, will never have a relationship with his father.

“On Aug. 3, 2015, my life was changed. The life I knew with the man I loved was gone in the blink of an eye, our hopes and dreams gone for the future,” she said. “Mr. Robinson’s careless decisions have left me a widow and single mother. I pray that you will turn your life around and make an impact while you can.”

Amanda Efird and Richard Helderman investigated the case for Hickory Police Department. Melanie Earles handled prosecution for the District Attorney’s Office.