Robin Bishop, a Southern Utah University graduate who was slain by a California Highway Patrol trooper in 1982, will be featured in a television program Feb. 10.
The story of Bishop's death and the process of bringing her killer to justice will be part of the ABC television program "FBI: The Untold Stories." While working with her parents, Merlin and June Bishop of Cedar City, producers Peter Field and Craig Anderson became aware of the theater department scholarship that memorializes Robin Bishop. Together with other production staff members, they recently presented the Bishops with $1,100 to contribute toward the scholarship fund.Theater department head Gary McIntyre described Robin Bishop as a "Renaissance woman" who, in addition to being a talented musician and singer, was an accomplished actress who was versatile in all aspects of theater. She was a top theater department student when she graduated in 1982. Bishop was working in Las Vegas and was returning there from theater auditions in Los Angeles in January 1982 when she was killed by a California Highway Patrol trooper. The slaying shocked the close-knit southern Utah community and the SUU campus.
Two state trials were held in San Bernardino, Calif., and resulted in hung juries. Finally, with the help of FBI agents Mike Grippi and Mike Randolph, the highway patrol officer was brought to trial in federal court on a violation of civil rights charge. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 30 years. Bishop's parents testified at all three trials and were helped locally by FBI agent Joe Cwick, who has since retired.
The Bishops established a theater department scholarship to memorialize their daughter. In the 10 years since it was established the Robin Bishop Memorial Scholarship has become the top honor an actress can earn in the SUU theater department. The student must be a junior and a performer to receive the full-tuition scholarship, which is presented at the the theater department's annual awards banquet in May. The selection is made by the entire theater department faculty.