JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two men charged in the 2020 murder of a local rapper learned their fate Thursday afternoon.
Leroy Whitaker, known as ATK Scotty, was found guilty of first-degree murder and of burglary with assault or battery in the noon hour.
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Hakeem Robinson, better known as Ksoo, was found guilty of first-degree murder during the 4 p.m. hour.
Investigators say Charles McCormick Jr., known as Lil’ Buck, was killed in 2020 over a diss track about Willie Addison, who is Robinson’s half-brother.
Both Robinson and Whitaker are alleged to be part of the ATK Gang.
State Attorney Melissa Nelson released the following statement after the verdicts were handed down:
“Five years ago, Hakeem Robinson and Leroy Whitaker stalked a man and gunned him down in broad daylight because of disputes and drill rap. 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.”
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Robinson’s family did not want to speak after the verdict. Whitaker’s father described what it was like hearing the verdict.
“I feel like a firetruck just ran into me man and backed up. Put it back in drive and ran over me again. I can’t describe it. Just excruciating pain right now that I’m going through,” he said.
Robinson’s attorneys did not want to provide a statement, but told Action News Jax’s Madison Foglio that they are very “disappointed with the outcome.”
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Sentencing for both Robinson and Whitaker is set to be scheduled on September 8.
Defense attorney Chris Carson, who is not involved in this case, told us what sentencing could look like for these charges.
“So given that it’s not a death penalty case, the penalty is essentially mandatory life in prison,” Carson said.
You can watch the stream below as the verdicts were read on the Action News Jax YouTube channel:
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