News Summary
Hakeem Robinson, known as Ksoo, has been denied a motion for a new trial following his first-degree murder conviction. The ruling, made by Judge Tatiana Salvador, sets Robinson’s sentencing for a mandatory life sentence due to the nature of the crime. The conviction relates to the murder of fellow rapper Charles McCormick Jr. in 2020, which was reportedly fueled by a feud linked to a diss track. The case has sparked discussions on the violence in Jacksonville’s rap scene.
Jacksonville, Florida – Hakeem Robinson, widely known in the music scene as Ksoo, was denied a motion for a new trial following his conviction for first-degree murder in July 2023. The ruling was made by Judge Tatiana Salvador during a court appearance on September 9, 2025. Robinson’s sentencing is set for September 19, 2025, at 10 a.m., where he faces a mandatory life sentence due to the nature of his crime categorized as a capital felony in Florida.
The conviction stems from the murder of fellow rapper Charles McCormick Jr., known as Lil’ Buck, which occurred on January 15, 2020. This incident took place outside a temporary employment agency in Arlington, Florida, and was reportedly motivated by a feud linked to a diss track. The diss track allegedly targeted Robinson’s stepbrother, Willie Addison, who had been killed in a drive-by shooting a year earlier.
Details of the Case
In the trial, prosecutors established that Robinson and his co-defendant, Leroy Whitaker (also referred to as ATK Scotty), stalked McCormick leading up to the murder. Their case was supported by various forms of evidence, including surveillance video, witness testimonies, and cellphone records that corroborated the timeline and actions of the defendants on the day of the shooting.
Witnesses recounted that Robinson was directly involved in the ambush after McCormick left the temp agency. Despite multiple testimonies against him, Robinson’s defense team contended that the evidence, particularly iCloud notes retrieved from Robinson’s phone, was prejudicial and not directly related to the case at hand. They claimed the notes unjustly swayed the jury’s perception of Robinson’s character.
Furthermore, the defense argued that an inconsistency in witness descriptions of the shooter undermined the trial’s integrity. They noted that Robinson stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall, whereas initial reports described the shooter as significantly shorter, ranging between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 9 inches. This disparity was emphasized as critical in questioning the validity of the identification of Robinson as the shooter.
Post-Trial Developments
In the wake of this decision, Whitaker’s legal team has also sought a new trial, mirroring Robinson’s actions. Both cases have sparked considerable scrutiny and dialogue surrounding the violence linked to rap music and gang-related conflicts in Jacksonville, drawing attention from both local and national communities.
In addition to the murder of McCormick, Robinson faces a separate trial in connection to the 2019 death of 16-year-old Adrian “Lil Bibby” Gainer Jr., further complicating his legal battles. The overlapping nature of these cases showcases the ongoing issues within Jacksonville’s rap scene and the associated gang rivalries that have reportedly fueled a cycle of violence.
Context of the Defense’s Arguments
The defense’s argument during the trial pointed to improper uses of demonstrative evidence and expert testimony, which they claim led to an unfair trial process. They have steadfastly maintained that the prosecution fell short of proving Robinson’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, despite the evidence presented.
This case has rapidly gained notoriety, not only for its legal implications but also as a reflection of the broader societal issues tied to rap culture in Jacksonville, including the impact of music on real-life conflicts and the turbulent dynamics of local communities.
The forthcoming sentencing will mark a pivotal moment in Robinson’s life, while also serving as a stark reminder of the violence that can ensue from disputes amplified by the public nature of modern music culture.
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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.
