News Summary
Hakeem ‘Ksoo’ Robinson and Leroy ‘ATK Scotty’ Whitaker received life sentences for the first-degree murder of Charles ‘Lil Buck’ McCormick Jr. The judge’s ruling, made in Duval County court, stems from a gang conflict tied to a diss track. Both plan to appeal their convictions amidst claims of unreliable testimonies. This case highlights ongoing gang violence issues in Jacksonville and the impact on the community.
Jacksonville, FL – Hakeem “Ksoo” Robinson, a local rapper, and his cousin Leroy “ATK Scotty” Whitaker were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr. This sentencing was announced in Duval County court on Wednesday, following a jury conviction for first-degree murder that occurred on July 31. Both defendants plan to appeal their sentences.
Prosecutors contended that the murder was driven by gang conflicts and served as retaliation for a “diss track” released by McCormick, which mocked Robinson’s deceased stepbrother, Willie Addison. Addison was shot and killed a year prior to McCormick’s murder after leaving a club. Robinson and Whitaker are known members of a gang in Jacksonville, while McCormick was affiliated with a rival gang known as 6Block.
The prosecution’s case highlighted that Robinson and Whitaker, along with an accomplice Dominique Barner, had stalked McCormick leading up to the incident. Evidence presented in court included video footage allegedly showing Robinson shooting McCormick outside a temporary employment agency, while Whitaker waited in a getaway vehicle armed with a loaded firearm. The case against them was supported by a range of evidence, including dashcam footage, shell casings, social media interactions, and testimonies from witnesses.
During the trial, Robinson’s defense team sought a new trial, claiming issues regarding the evidence, particularly involving iCloud notes and inconsistencies in police testimonies. The judge, however, denied this request. Notably, Robinson’s father, who identified himself as an accomplice in the shooting, testified against him, confirming that Robinson was the shooter in the surveillance video presented at trial. The defense argued that the father’s criminal history made his testimony unreliable, referring to him derogatorily as merely a “DNA donor.”
The case marks a significant event in a string of violent crimes tied to gang rivalries in Jacksonville. Robinson is also facing a separate trial for the shooting death of Adrian Gainer, which has connections to lyrics from a viral song by another local rapper, Yungeen Ace, who shares gang affiliations with Robinson.
The emotional toll of McCormick’s murder was underscored during its recounting in court, particularly through the victim impact statement from his mother, Yolanda Perkins. Perkins expressed deep sorrow over the loss felt by family and friends, urging the community to consider the repercussions of violence often glorified in music. She emphasized that McCormick’s life was taken unjustly and called for reflection on the negative effects of such messages.
The trial featured extensive witness testimonies, law enforcement accounts, and detailed descriptions of the chaotic circumstances surrounding the shooting. After days of deliberation, jurors arrived at their guilty verdicts for both Robinson and Whitaker.
In conclusion, the judge’s sentencing highlighted the severe nature of the crime and the broader implications of gang-related violence present in Jacksonville. The case of Hakeem Robinson and Leroy Whitaker stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of gang involvement and the often tragic outcomes that ensue.
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Delays in High-Profile Murder Trial in Jacksonville
Rapper Ksoo Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Jacksonville
Trial Continues for Hakeem Robinson and Leroy Whitaker in Jacksonville
Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Ksoo and ATK Scotty Sentencing
- News4Jax: Ksoo Robinson Sentencing
- Jacksonville.com: Ksoo Convicted in Murder
- Complex: Ksoo Found Guilty
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence
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.
