Jacksonville Court Scene: Rapper Hakeem Robinson’s Alarming Jail Conditions Highlighted
Jacksonville, Fla. – Hakeem Robinson, a rapper on trial for the 2020 shooting deaths of 23-year-old Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr. and 16-year-old Adrian “Lil Bibby” Gainer Jr., appeared in court on December 5, 2024. His court attendance was particularly notable due to serious claims made about his treatment at the Duval County jail, which were raised in front of Judge Tatiana Salvador.
What Happened in Court
Robinson entered the courtroom in shackles and wearing a mask, remaining silent as his attorney, Chris DeCoste, spoke to the court. DeCoste shared concerning details about Robinson’s current housing situation, stating, “It’s my understanding my client has been moved into a psych ward. My client has no mental health history.” He continued, emphasizing that Robinson has not caused any problems while in custody, except for a previously reported incident where he was reportedly body-slammed.
DeCoste mentioned that not only is he unable to effectively communicate with his client now, but also expressed concern about how such conditions can negatively impact inmates’ mental health. Robinson’s case is scheduled to return to court soon for a separate motion, as stated by DeCoste.
Claims of Mistreatment
On Monday, Robinson’s claims became public through a long statement posted on his Instagram account. In this lengthy post, Robinson asserted that he is being subjected to mental abuse by staff at the Duval Pretrial Detention Facility. He described being placed in isolation with other inmates who have significant mental health issues and stated, “My 14th Amendment rights have been violated.” He further reported experiencing mental breakdowns, resulting in him not eating or sleeping properly.
The post emphasized Robinson’s belief in his humanity, claiming, “But I am a human being and I deserve to be treated accordingly.” Robinson stated that he has been unable to communicate with family members or other inmates, a claim disputed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, which indicated he can indeed speak to family members for an hour each day.
Initial Response from Authorities
Judge Salvador addressed the court regarding Robinson’s living conditions, confirming that he is housed on the 6e level of the jail, a section designated for inmates with mental health issues, juveniles, and those in disciplinary confinement. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated that Robinson is currently under investigation but also commented on the isolation situation, noting that his claims about the housing conditions do not align with their information.
Background of the Case
Robinson, identified as a documented gang member linked to the violent gang “ATK,” is being prosecuted for the murder of McCormick Jr., who was shot in January 2020, and Gainer, who was killed in February 2019. Prosecutors allege that Robinson was the one who fired the shots in both incidents, while others linked to the gang have been arrested for their alleged involvement. Notably, Dominique Barner, another suspect, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder in a separate case.
What’s Next for Robinson
Hakeem Robinson’s next court date is set for January 16, 2025. His attorney has previously stated that Robinson does not match the description of the shooter caught on surveillance video during the McCormick Jr. shooting. As the case unfolds, the details surrounding Robinson’s treatment in jail continue to raise concerns among legal representatives and the public alike.
