Florida rapper Ksoo sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder
Ksoo has been sentenced to life in prison. The Florida rapper (real name Hakeem Robinson) was charged with first-degree murder without the possibility of parole.
The Jacksonville artist was convicted for the murder of 23-year-old Charles ‘Lil Buck’ McCormick Jr in 2020.
During the Duval County hearing, which lasted under an hour, Ksoo’s cousin, Leroy Whitaker Jr, was also sentenced to life behind bars on the same charges.
Ksoo’s lawyer, Christopher Decoste, told XXL that the rapper plans to appeal the conviction. “In Jackson-vile, Ksoo was sentenced on lies and deals – not evidence,” the statement reads. “The video shows it’s not him. The fight continues. We will appeal.”
McCormick’s mother, Yolanda Perkins, wrote a statement that was read out during the sentencing hearing.
“In 1996, a bright light entered the world,” she said, according to News4Jax. “People remember him not for his struggles but for his kindness and the way he lifted others up. His loss has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. His life was taken unjustly, and the ripple effect of the act that has changed forever changed this family, friends and community.”
She added, “We pray that this moment causes reflection. One reckless moment, one decision can destroy many lives, including your own. As a community, we must take a stand against music and messages that glorify real violence and the loss of innocent lives.”
Ksoo and his cousin were found guilty in July. Prosecutors claim that the motive for the murder was a diss track McCormick made about the stepson of Ksoo’s brother, Abdul Robinson Sr, who died in a drive-by shooting in 2019.
The rapper appeared in court on September 9th to argue that he deserved a new trial, but the judge denied his request.