News Summary
A jury in Jacksonville has convicted rapper Hakeem ‘Ksoo’ Robinson of first-degree murder for the shooting death of rival Charles ‘Lil Buck’ McCormick in January 2020. The conviction could result in a mandatory life sentence, highlighting the ongoing gang violence influenced by drill rap culture. Testimonies during the trial revealed connections to previous rivalries and gang-related crimes. Robinson’s co-defendant Leroy Whitaker also faces serious charges, escalating an already complex narrative surrounding gang conflicts in the area. Sentencing is set for September 8.
Jacksonville – A jury has found rapper Hakeem “Ksoo” Robinson guilty of first-degree murder for the January 2020 shooting death of Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick. As a result of this conviction, Robinson is facing a mandatory life sentence in accordance with Florida law concerning first-degree murder.
The jury deliberated for approximately three and a half hours before reaching their verdict. State Attorney Melissa Nelson stated that Robinson, alongside his co-defendant Leroy Whitaker, stalked and shot McCormick in broad daylight. This act of violence was reportedly fueled by a personal dispute linked to the competitive nature of drill rap culture.
The conflict that ultimately led to McCormick’s murder appears to have stemmed from the earlier death of Robinson’s stepbrother, Willie Addison, who was killed in a shooting in 2019. Following Addison’s death, McCormick allegedly wrote a “diss track” that further escalated tensions between the two parties. Additionally, McCormick was associated with the rival gang “6Block,” which had ties to Addison’s death, heightening the animosity.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Robinson was captured on camera shooting McCormick as he exited a temporary agency located on Merrill Road. Both Robinson and Whitaker are recognized members of the ATK gang and were reportedly stalking McCormick prior to the shooting incident.
The jury’s findings coincided with verdicts rendered the same day for both Robinson and Whitaker, although Whitaker’s jury deliberated for a shorter period. The trial, which lasted six days, featured various forms of evidence including surveillance footage, dashcam videos, witness testimonies, and social media activity where Robinson boasted about the murder. In a shocking turn of events, Robinson’s father testified against him, identifying him as the shooter in video evidence, while expressing that it was one of the hardest experiences he had ever faced.
The defense team contended that Robinson was misidentified as the shooter, pointing out inconsistencies in size when compared to eyewitness descriptions. They also raised concerns regarding the reliability of the prosecution’s witnesses and noted that the murder weapon had not been located.
Another key witness was Dominique “Butta” Barner, a co-defendant who testified under a plea deal, admitting to being the getaway driver for Robinson and Whitaker at the time of the shooting. Whitaker also faced additional charges for burglary and was present in the car with a loaded firearm, prepared to assist in the crime.
Throughout the trial, testimonies from law enforcement officials and DNA experts revealed connections to an ongoing series of gang-related violent crimes in Jacksonville. Following the conclusion of the trial, Robinson is expected to face another trial in connection with the death of Adrian “Lil Bibby” Gainer, which is also tied to the ongoing gang rivalry that has plagued the area.
Sentencing for both Robinson and Whitaker has been scheduled for September 8, and the potential for life sentences has been emphasized by the defense attorney, Chris Carson. This case underlines the complex and often violent nature of gang rivalries within the music scene in Jacksonville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trial Continues for Hakeem Robinson and Leroy Whitaker in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo’s Murder Trial Shakes Community
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
- First Coast News: Ksoo Trial Verdict
- News4Jax: Jury Deliberations Begin
- First Coast News: Atk Scotty Murder Trial Verdict
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence in the United States
- Complex: Ksoo Found Guilty of Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
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.
