Rising Jacksonville rapper Hakeem “Ksoo” Robinson is on trial for first-degree murder — and prosecutors say a hoodie, social media posts, and even testimony from his father could seal his fate.
Robinson, 26, is accused of fatally shooting fellow rapper Charles McCormick Jr., known as “Lil Buck,” in 2020. The case has shocked fans and drawn national attention due to its ties to Florida’s increasingly volatile drill rap scene, where music, online taunts, and real-life violence tragically intersect.
During opening statements, prosecutors introduced what they call one of the most telling pieces of evidence: a black and gray two-tone Nike hoodie — the same one allegedly worn by the shooter in surveillance footage from the night of the murder.
Assistant State Attorney Joel Cooper told jurors they would “see exactly what the shooter was wearing.” He emphasized that Robinson was captured wearing that same distinctive sweatsuit in multiple videos and social media posts.
“You’ll see that same hoodie in photographs and videos wrapped around Hakeem Robinson’s guilty body,”
Cooper said in court.
Prosecutors didn’t stop at surveillance footage. They also pointed to Instagram videos and posts they claim show Robinson mocking McCormick’s death.
In one clip, allegedly filmed after the killing, Robinson is seen getting a pedicure with the chilling caption:
“Kill a n—– then go get my toes done.”
Another post, shared shortly after McCormick’s death, reportedly included a photo of the victim with the words “bye bye” and waving hand emojis. Prosecutors say the post was celebratory and cold.
Forensic evidence has played a key role in the case. Investigators say DNA evidence links both Robinson and co-defendant Leroy Whitaker to the getaway vehicle. Fingerprints and hair samples were also found near the crashed vehicle, connected to the crime.
But one of the most emotional and shocking moments of the trial came when Robinson’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., took the stand — and identified his son as the shooter in the surveillance video.
Fighting back tears, he reportedly said:
“My son… Hakeem.”
Robinson’s defense team has pushed back hard, arguing that the person seen in the footage doesn’t match their client’s physical appearance. His sister testified that the man in the video looked “much smaller,” while describing Ksoo as “fat, sloth-footed, two left feet” and “a giant.”
The trial comes amid growing concerns over gang-related violence in Jacksonville’s rap scene. Prosecutors allege that the killing may have stemmed from a diss track aimed at Robinson’s late half-brother, adding another tragic layer to the case.
Robinson has pleaded not guilty and continues to maintain his innocence.
