July 29, 2025

Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo’s Murder Trial Shakes Community

News Summary

The murder trial of rapper Ksoo, also known as Hakeem Robinson, is causing turbulence in Jacksonville. His father, Abdul Robinson Sr., testified against him, claiming Ksoo was the shooter in the 2020 murder of Charles McCormick. The trial raises deep concerns about family dynamics, criminal allegations, and the influence of rap culture on violence in the community. With ongoing testimonies and a complicated backstory involving several defendants, the case continues to draw significant media attention.

Jacksonville – The murder trial of Jacksonville rapper Ksoo, whose real name is Hakeem Robinson, is making headlines as his father, Abdul Robinson Sr., testified against him. This significant revelation occurs amidst allegations surrounding the 2020 murder of Charles McCormick, an incident that has drawn considerable attention due to its implications for both the accused and the victim’s family.

During the trial, which has garnered substantial media coverage, Robinson Sr. for the first time publicly identified his son Ksoo as the shooter in the case. His testimony came after a formal deposition earlier this year in which he acknowledged recognizing his son in video footage linked to the murder. The video captures McCormick being shot at a shopping center, but the defense disputes the identification of the shooter, casting doubt on the prosecution’s claims.

Abdul Robinson Sr. has already pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the crime, admitting to helping Ksoo’s co-defendants burn clothes worn during the murder incident. His involvement in the case is further complicated by his own criminal history; he also pleaded guilty to soliciting a hitman for another murder that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander. Currently, he is cooperating with the prosecution, potentially in hopes of receiving a reduced sentence that would allow him to reunite with his younger children.

The prosecution alleges that the motive behind McCormick’s murder was the creation of a “diss track” that disparaged Ksoo’s deceased brother. This motive was reportedly strong enough to lead Ksoo and his associates to follow McCormick from his home to the shopping plaza where the shooting occurred. The prosecution’s case has been bolstered by testimony from Dominique Barner, an accomplice who has admitted to involvement in the conspiracy to kill McCormick. Barner implicated both Ksoo and another defendant, Leroy Whitaker, claiming that they intended to kill McCormick due to the perceived insult from the diss track.

However, the defense maintains that Barner, who has been described as a “paid assassin,” is testifying against Ksoo in exchange for leniency in his own legal troubles. This charge has raised concerns regarding the credibility of the witness and the legitimacy of his statements. The ongoing trial is focused on dissecting these claims and exploring the motivations behind the actions of all involved parties.

As the trial unfolds, Robinson Sr. has expressed concerns over his health, citing issues such as diabetes and heart failure that could potentially hinder his longevity. He acknowledges the gravity of his actions, understanding that his testimony could result in life sentences for his sons. Despite these difficulties, he has opted to move forward with his testimony, underscoring the complex nature of familial ties in legal contexts.

The courtroom proceedings continue to develop, and updates regarding the trial are being closely monitored. The implications of this case are profound not only for Ksoo and his family but also for the broader community, which is grappling with the ramifications of violence and crime linked to the rap culture in Jacksonville.

As the trial progresses, both the prosecution and defense strategies will likely become clearer, further illuminating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Charles McCormick and the role of those involved.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hakeem Robinson’s Trial Begins in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Rapper Hakeem Robinson Faces Trial for Murder
Arguments Heat Up in Jacksonville Court Over Murder Charges
Jacksonville’s Legal Drama: Hakeem Robinson’s Murder Trial Delayed

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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