Ksoo and ATK Scotty have been convicted for the murder of Jacksonville rapper Charles McCormick Jr., better known as Lil’ Buck.
Per First Coast News, Leroy “ATK Scotty” Whitaker and Hakeem “Ksoo” Robinson were both found guilty of first-degree murder on Thursday (July 31), more than five years after McCormick was gunned down in a drive-by shooting.
Prosecutors revealed that Whitaker, Robinson, and their accomplice Dominique “Butta” Barner were out driving on January 15, 2020, specifically searching for McCormick. They eventually located him outside an Arlington shopping plaza, where Robinson opened fire. While Whitaker allegedly had his own loaded gun in the vehicle, he didn’t fire any shots at McCormick.
Barner, who took a plea deal, testified against the defendants and admitted he was the getaway driver that day.
Authorities believe the attack was gang-related and motivated by a diss track McCormick had released targeting Robinson’s half-brother, Willie Addison, who was killed in a similar drive-by shooting in 2019.
“Five years ago, Hakeem Robinson and Leroy Whitaker stalked a man and gunned him down in broad daylight because of disputes and drill rap,” State Attorney Melissa Nelson said following the verdicts. “Today, a jury held them accountable for their brazen crimes. This was an incredible effort by law enforcement and our team that takes two killers off our streets. Thank you to the jury for their time and dedication.”
Both Robinson and Whitaker were convicted of first-degree murder, while Whitaker was additionally found guilty of burglary with assault or battery.
The sentencing hearings for both men are set for September 8.
“Given that it’s not a death penalty case, the penalty is essentially mandatory life in prison,” defense attorney Chris Carson told Action News.
