News Summary
The trial of Hakeem Robinson, rapper known as Ksoo, has started with opening statements. He faces charges for the murder of Charles McCormick and the homicide of Adrien Gainer. The trial is expected to explore themes of loyalty and family betrayal as Robinson’s father testifies against him. With significant evidence against him, including surveillance footage, the outcome could have serious implications for Robinson and his co-defendants, all linked to gang violence in Jacksonville’s music scene.
Jacksonville, FL – The trial of Hakeem Robinson, a rapper known as Ksoo, commenced this week with opening statements scheduled for Wednesday. This critical trial will assess Robinson’s involvement in the 2020 murder of Charles McCormick, also known in the music world as Lil Buck.
Jury selection for the trial began on Monday, and officials anticipate that a jury will be in place by lunchtime. Robinson stands accused not only of McCormick’s murder but also faces charges related to the homicide of 16-year-old Adrien Gainer, nicknamed Bibby, which occurred in 2019.
Robinson’s history with law enforcement is extensive; he was arrested five years ago for the alleged murders but was nearly released with an ankle monitor after it was determined that evidence at the time was insufficient. However, the current charges have reignited legal proceedings against him.
Robinson has four co-defendants in these cases: his father, Abdul Robinson Sr., his brother, Abdul “Kareem” Robinson Jr., and two others, Leroy Whitaker and Dominique Barner. Both Robinson brothers are charged with first-degree murder, and the gang affiliation connected to the charges could potentially triple their sentences if found guilty. Abdul Robinson Sr. has reportedly agreed to testify against his sons as part of a plea deal.
In the music business, Hakeem Robinson was previously affiliated with Cinematic Music Group and gained prominence through a collaboration with Yungeen Ace, a notable figure in Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene and leader of the gang ATK (Aces Top Killers). Their song, “Who I Smoke,” includes references to Gainer’s murder, establishing a narrative of gang violence.
Further complicating matters, McCormick is believed to have composed a “diss track” mentioning Robinson’s deceased brother, Willie Addison, before his death. It is anticipated that lyrics from these and other hip-hop songs will be scrutinized and presented as evidence in the trial, recalling a prior case involving yet another Jacksonville rapper, Noah Williams, known as Spinabenz.
The respective charges each defendant faces in the murder cases are as follows: Hakeem Robinson is charged with first-degree murder as a gang member; his brother, Abdul Robinson Jr., is charged with first-degree murder and accessory after the fact; Abdul Robinson Sr. faces accessory after the fact and solicitation to commit a capital felony; Leroy Whitaker is charged with first-degree murder, burglary with assault or battery, and home invasion robbery; while Dominique Barner faces home invasion robbery and burglary with assault or battery charges.
McCormick was fatally shot on January 15, 2020, at Dames Pointe Plaza on Merrill Road. An off-duty police officer was reportedly a witness to the incident, where the officer observed a gunman shooting McCormick with a rifle before fleeing the scene in a Nissan Altima. This vehicle was later crashed and abandoned. Surveillance footage allegedly indicates that Hakeem Robinson was the shooter, and his fingerprint was found on a rifle located in the abandoned vehicle, with hair discovered on a T-shirt found nearby.
Following the incident, Hakeem Robinson took to social media, posting remarks perceived as mocking, including comments alongside videos related to McCormick just after the shooting occurred.
The trial will delve into intricate themes of loyalty and betrayal, given the complex family dynamics with Robinson’s father now testifying against him. Once this trial concludes, Hakeem Robinson is expected to face separate proceedings regarding the murder of Adrien Gainer.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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