JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The stage is set for one of Jacksonville’s most highly anticipated murder trials.
Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, better known by his stage name “Ksoo,” is heading back to court Monday morning as jury selection is set to begin in a case that’s drawn national attention — and stirred deep tensions in the city’s rap and gang communities.
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Robinson, 26, and co-defendant Leroy Whitaker, 24, appeared in court Friday for what’s expected to be their final pretrial hearing.
Both face murder and gun charges in connection with two deadly shootings: the 2020 shooting death of 23-year-old Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr., and the 2019 shooting death of 16-year-old-Adrian “Lil Bibby” Gainer Jr.
Friday’s hearing, involving the murder of McCormick, was packed with motions and arguments, as Judge Tatiana Salvador reviewed filings from both the defense and the state.
One key question still hanging in the air: Will there be a single jury for both defendants, or will each have their own? Judge Salvador said she needs more time before making that call, and is expected to make the decision Friday afternoon.
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One major development is that prosecutors are no longer pursuing enhanced charges tied to criminal gang affiliation — a significant shift in the state’s approach.
Initially, Robinson’s brother, Abdul Kareem Robinson Jr., was also set to be tried alongside him, but the judge has since severed his case, meaning he’ll face a separate trial.
The murder of McCormick has been at the center of Jacksonville’s escalating gang violence, tied to rival factions including ATK, KTA, 6block, and NHG. Prosecutors allege that Hakeem Robinson was the triggerman in McCormick’s killing.
They plan to present an image, recorded by a dash cam, that they claim places him at the scene. But Robinson’s legal team disputes the photo’s relevance, arguing that the person shown is too small to be Robinson.
The case also involves a complex web of co-defendants and witness deals. Dominique Barner, who admitted to driving the getaway car, took a plea deal and told investigators that Robinson wanted McCormick dead for allegedly dissing his slain half-brother, Willie Addison, who was killed in a 2019 drive-by shooting.
Hakeem’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., was arrested and accused of helping them escape after the shooting.
In a dramatic twist, Robinson Sr. later identified his son as the shooter after viewing dashcam footage of the incident. He’s now expected to testify against his own sons and nephew in court.
After this trial concludes, Hakeem Robinson will face another murder trial, this time for the alleged killing of “Lil Bibby,” Adrian Gainer Jr.
Jury selection kicks off Monday at 9 a.m.
