Hakeem Robinson, popularly known as Ksoo, is set to face trial for one of the two murder charges against him. His father has agreed to testify on behalf of the prosecution as part of a plea agreement.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Wednesday, opening statements are anticipated in the trial of Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, recognized by many as Ksoo, following his arrest five years ago. Jury selection began on Monday, and it is expected that a jury will be finalized by midday.
This trial will determine Robinson’s responsibility for the 2020 murder of Charles McCormick, also known as Lil Buck. Robinson was almost granted release with an ankle monitor due to insufficient evidence, but this changed when he was subsequently accused of another murder — the 2019 death of 16-year-old Adrien Gainer.
Four others, including Robinson’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., and his brother, Abdul “Kareem” Robinson Jr., are charged in the case. Both Robinson brothers are facing charges of first-degree murder as criminal gang members; gang affiliation can increase their sentences by as much as triple if they are found guilty.
Robinson Sr., their father, has agreed to testify against them in the trial as part of a plea deal.
Robinson was signed with Cinematic Music Group before his arrest. He was a known affiliate and friend of Yungeen Ace, who is believed to helm a Jacksonville gang called “ATK,” which court records say stands for “Aces Top Killers.”
In his song with two other Jacksonville rappers, “Who I Smoke,” Ace directly references the murder of Robinson’s other alleged victim, Adrien Gainer, whose nickname was “Bibby,” as he lists off names of people he has “smoked” (killed). The song seems to serve as a confession that ATK carried out the killing.
Song lyrics are expected to be used as evidence in the trial, as they were in the trial of Noah Williams (who raps as Spinabenz), another associate of Ksoo’s who is featured on “Who I Smoke.” In Williams’ trial, officers were unable to answer specific questions about the songs during cross-examination, such as when they could have been written. He was found not guilty.
McCormick was known to have written a “diss track” mentioning Robinson’s slain older brother, Willie Addison, before his death.
The charges in the case are as follows. Barner is also cooperating with police.
Hakeem Robinson – First-degree murder as a criminal gang member
Abdul Robinson Jr. – First-degree murder and accessory after the fact
Abdul Robinson Sr. – Accessory after the fact and solicitation to commit a capital felony
Leroy Whitaker – First-degree murder, burglary with assault or battery, and home invasion robbery
Dominique Barner – Home invasion robbery and burglary with assault or battery
McCormick’s murder
According to police and prosecutors, McCormick was shot and killed in Dames Pointe Plaza on Merrill Road on Jan. 15, 2020. An off-duty officer witnessed the shooting. According to a warrant, he saw a gunman stand over McCormick and shoot him with a rifle before fleeing in a Nissan Altima.
The assailant was captured on surveillance video, and prosecutors say Hakeem Robinson is the man pictured.
After the shooting, the officer chased the Nissan until it crashed and three people fled, according to the warrant. Prosecutors say Hakeem Robinson’s fingerprint was found on a rifle in the car and his hair was found on a T-shirt nearby.
After the incident, the warrant says he posted mocking comments on his Instagram account, including a Lil Buck video captioned “Byeeee byeeee” with emojis of waving hands. Another post was of him getting a pedicure with the caption, “Kill a n—– then go get my toes done.”
