JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Leroy Whitaker, also known as ATK Scotty, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2020 death of Charles McCormick. 

He faced charges linked to a violent home invasion where he fled the scene, accused of burglary with assault or battery, and a home invasion robbery.

Whitaker was charged alongside Jacksonville rapper Ksoo, whose real name is Hakeem Robinson. Prosecutors alleged Robinson was the gunman, while Whitaker accompanied him, assisting in tracking down McCormick. They further claimed Whitaker had his own gun loaded, prepared to use it if necessary.

During the trial’s opening, Whitaker’s lawyer, Julie Schlax, argued no evidence linked him to the crime. She asserted there would only be testimony from a man, Dominique Barner, who admitted to being an accomplice.

Barner took the stand against Whitaker as part of a plea agreement for a reduced sentence. He recounted how they fled the murder scene, crashed a stolen vehicle during a police pursuit, and took refuge in a woman’s house. He confirmed the state’s account that they had stolen the victim’s husband’s clothes, changing into them to conceal murder evidence.

Schlax argued Barner was not trustworthy due to his confession in this crime and pleading guilty in another murder.

Assistant State Attorney Alan Mizrahi stated it would be unwise for Barner to deceive the court, noting he could still face a life sentence if found dishonest. Mizrahi highlighted that discovering any falsification from Barner would lead to a much more severe punishment.