Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Ksoo, a prominent Jacksonville drill rapper, faces serious charges related to a 2020 shooting that claimed the life of Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr.
- The trial has garnered significant local and national attention, highlighting issues of violence, music culture, and justice in Jacksonville.
- Important courtroom developments include witness testimonies, a dashcam footage identification by Ksoo’s father, and family denials of accusations.
- Ksoo’s legal troubles extend beyond this case, as he faces another murder trial from a 2019 incident involving a 16-year-old.
- The outcome of this high-profile case could influence perceptions of rap culture’s relationship with real-life violence and community safety efforts.
Table of Contents
A Trial Under the Spotlight
The murder trial of Jacksonville rapper Hakeem “Ksoo” Robinson and his cousin Leroy Whitaker Jr. has captivated attention in 2025, shedding light on tensions within the city’s rap and gang communities. Both are accused of the 2020 shooting death of Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr., a case that has sparked widespread public debate and interest.
Details of the Trial
Ksoo, 26, a prolific figure in Jacksonville’s drill rap scene, and Whitaker, 24, face multiple charges including murder and firearm offenses related to the incident. Witnesses have described scenes of McCormick attempting to escape before being shot in a parking lot outside a staffing agency.[1] There remains controversy over who the actual shooter was, with defense attorneys challenging eyewitness accounts.
Witness Testimonies and Developments
Witnesses recall McCormick trying to escape just before being shot.[1] A pivotal moment occurred when Ksoo’s father viewed dashcam footage and identified his son as the shooter, signaling he might testify against his son and nephew.[1] Interestingly, the prosecution later decided against requiring testimony from Ksoo’s father, adding a complex layer to the case.[1][2]
Family members, including Hakeem Robinson’s sister, have publicly denied allegations, though courtroom testimonies—some livestreamed—continue to stir controversy.[2]
Beyond One Case
Ksoo’s legal challenges extend beyond this trial, as he also faces a separate murder case for a 2019 shooting involving Adrian “Lil Bibby” Gainer Jr.”, further increasing public scrutiny.[1]
Why This Matters
This case exemplifies larger societal issues such as the intertwining of local rap culture with violent crime, community safety concerns, and the justice system’s challenges in high-profile cases. It has prompted discussions on how music reflects or influences violence in Jacksonville, with some rappers incorporating tragic events into their art, attracting police and family attention.[1]
What’s Next
As the jury deliberates, the verdict will have significant repercussions for Ksoo, his family, and the Jacksonville community. The case’s outcome may also shape perceptions of how entertainers involved in violence are viewed nationally. Locals and fans continue to watch closely as testimonies unfold and arguments proceed in one of Jacksonville’s most notable criminal cases.[3][4]
FAQ
What charges does Ksoo face?
He faces multiple charges including murder and firearm offenses related to the 2020 shooting that resulted in the death of Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr.[1]
How has the community reacted?
The case has stirred strong opinions, with community members divided over issues of violence, justice, and the role of rap culture in perpetuating or reflecting societal problems.[1]
Sources
- Witnesses describe seeing man chased, gunned down in parking lot …
- Day 6: Murder trial for Jacksonville rapper Ksoo, ATK Scotty – YouTube
- Closing arguments in murder trial of Jacksonville rapper ‘Ksoo’, cousin
- Closing arguments begin in murder trial of Jacksonville rapper ‘Ksoo …
- Day 5: Murder trial of Jacksonville rapper ‘Ksoo’, cousin – YouTube