Opening statements begin in high-profile murder trial for Jacksonville rapper, affiliate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Opening statements began Wednesday in a highly anticipated Jacksonville murder trial.

This is after jury selection hit a brief snag when several potential jurors asked to be excused from the case.

Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, 26, better known by his stage name “Ksoo,” and co-defendant Leroy Whitaker, 24, his cousin, are standing trial in a case that’s drawn national attention — and stirred deep tensions in the city’s rap and gang communities.

Both face murder and gun charges in the 2020 shooting death of 23-year-old Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr.

Opening statements began with the state explaining the evidence that the jury would see to consider in determining whether to find Robinson and Whitaker guilty in the case.

Assistant State Attorney Joel Cooper argued that McCormick’s affiliations with local rap groups made him Robinson’s target.

“One of the traditions of both groups is producing rap music, drill rap, diss songs, that make fun of or talk disrespectfully about members of their ops,” Cooper said. “Charles McCormick became a target, an easy target. This was about sending a message.. because not only was it personal but it’s about respect and we aren’t going to let our ops sing songs like that, not about our family… that is why Charles McCormick was targeted.”

The first witness for the state was on the stand on Wednesday. He asked not to be shown on camera. However, dash cam footage from his car showed the moment the shooting happened.

Whitaker’s attorney, Julie Schlax, argued against his involvement in the shooting, mentioning the state’s star witness, Dominique Barner, who admitted to driving the getaway car, would convince the jury that he was innocent.

“There will be no question whatsoever… Leroy Whitaker did not pull the trigger. Leroy Whitaker had nothing to do with the death of Charles McCormick. That’s what the evidence will show, “Whitaker’s attorney told the courtroom,” Schlax said.

Robinson’s attorney, Tara Kawass, turned her comments to the jury, asking them to “ignore” the descriptions that have placed Robinson as the shooter.

“Ignore the descriptions given by each and every person that saw the shooter,” she said to the jury. “Discredit them. Don’t believe them.”

Barner was mentioned during the opening statement by Kawass. She claimed that Barner was the one who planned and orchestrated the murder, not Robinson.

“When you listen to all the credible, reliable evidence in this case, it’s only going to prove to you one thing, Hakeem Robinson is innocent. Find him not guilty,” she said.

Jury selection began on Monday for the McCormick murder case as the prosecution and defense try to select two separate juries for the two defendants.

On Wednesday, three potential jurors asked to be excused. Two cited family health concerns, and one told the court she is afraid and can’t handle the pressure of a murder case of this magnitude.

The case has drawn major attention — not only because of the murders, but because of the defendants’ ties to Jacksonville’s ongoing gang violence, involving groups like ATK and KTA.

Despite those connections, prosecutors are no longer pursuing enhanced charges tied to criminal gang affiliation — a significant shift in the state’s approach.

Robinson and Whitaker were both in court on Wednesday wearing suits.

They were attentive, watching each potential juror closely as they answered questions from Robinson’s attorney, Christopher DeCoste.

More than 50 potential jurors showed up.

Charles McCormick (Lil Buck) (Screenshot via Instagram)

Prosecutors allege that Robinson was the triggerman in McCormick’s killing. The state plans to show dash cam footage that they say places Robinson at the scene, but his defense says the figure in the video is too small to be him.

DeCoste focused heavily on jury questions, asking how they view guns, and whether they can separate guns from entertainment and real life — possibly alluding to Robinson’s music career.

Robinson’s brother was originally set to be tried alongside him, but that’s changed. The brother’s case has been severed and will be handled separately.

The case also involves a complex web of co-defendants and witness deals.

Barner 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.

Booking photo of Dominique Barner (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)

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 sons and nephew in court.

After the McCormick trial concludes, Hakeem Robinson will face a separate murder trial for the 2019 shooting death of 16-year-old Adrian “Lil Bibby” Gainer Jr.

Opening statements begin in high-profile murder trial for Jacksonville rapper, affiliate

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