In a dramatic turn of events in Jacksonville, Florida, the father of local drill rapper Queso has been sentenced to time served for his involvement in the 2020 murder of Charles McCormack Jr., while his son faces life in prison. Abdul Robinson Sr., who pleaded guilty to aiding in the escape of two co-defendants after the murder, has effectively received no additional prison time beyond the 1,898 days he has already served.
The case revolves around a violent incident that took place on January 15, 2020, where McCormack was shot multiple times by Queso, whose real name is Hakee Robinson. Witnesses reported that the gunman stood over McCormack and fired an AR pistol before fleeing in a vehicle. The aftermath saw Robinson and his accomplices attempting to evade police, leading to a crash and further criminal actions, including hostage-taking.
During the proceedings, Robinson Sr. testified against his son, stating he was unaware of the murder prior to picking up his son and his co-defendants. His cooperation with the prosecution was part of a plea deal, which ultimately resulted in his release. The judge imposed two years of community control with electronic monitoring and three years of probation, but these terms are seen as manageable compared to the life sentences handed to Queso and his cousin Leroy Whitaker Jr., who were convicted of first-degree murder.
In court, family members of McCormack expressed their sorrow and emphasized the far-reaching consequences of violence, urging the community to reflect on the impact of reckless decisions. The judge highlighted the severity of the crime, noting the irreversible loss suffered by McCormack’s family and the community at large.
Robinson Sr.’s decision to testify against his son has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that his actions reflect a failure to take responsibility for his role in the events that unfolded. They contend that his influence contributed to Queso’s descent into a life of crime, and now, in a bid for freedom, he has turned against his own flesh and blood.
As Queso awaits his fate in connection to another murder case, the implications of this familial betrayal weigh heavily on the community. The sentencing has sparked discussions about the culture surrounding drill music and its potential to incite violence, with calls for a reevaluation of the messages conveyed in the genre.
While Queso now faces the prospect of spending his life behind bars, his father, having secured his freedom through cooperation, must navigate a different path. The complexities of their relationship and the consequences of their decisions will continue to resonate within Jacksonville’s neighborhoods, reminding all involved of the heavy toll that violence and crime can exact on families and communities alike.
