He would not let any stranger in the Robinson home. Testimony from the victims mother, stepfather, relatives, and family friends, all affirm the fact that the German Shepherd was ferocious, and affirm that the dog had to be locked away from people whom he did not know. Peter Douglas told police that the dog would bite a stranger, therefore the murderer would have had to been known by the dog to enter the house. Johnnie's first visit to the Robinson home was the night before the murders took place. At that time, the dog had to be locked in another room for the duration of the time Johnnie was in the home.
Police say the dog had to be segregated during the investigation of the crime scene.
In 1980 the Illinois Third District Appellate Court ruled that Johnnie s confession was illegally obtained in violation of his state and civil constitutional rights. He was never read his Miranda rights at any time prior to interrogation by Peoria Police and his right to have a parent present during interrogation was denied. In 1977, statements taken from the Ivy family made no mention of Savory s alleged admissions to them concerning the deaths of the two teenagers. During the second trial, Frank Ivy agreed to a taped interview with Charlie Peters, an investigator from the Appellate Defender s Office. During that interview, Frank admitted that Savory had never made Any statements concerning the deaths of the victims.