Ksoo and ATK Scotty have been hit with life sentences on Wednesday (October 1) for the 2020 killing of a rival rapper in Jacksonville, a case that prosecutors mentioned stemmed from a lethal feud fueled by drill rap and gang rivalries.

The two males have been convicted of first-degree homicide in July for the deadly taking pictures of Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr., 23, who was gunned down outdoors a purchasing plaza within the Arlington neighborhood.

Prosecutors mentioned the slaying was retaliation for a diss monitor Lil Buck allegedly wrote about Ksoo’s half-brother, Willie Addison, who had been killed by a member of the opposing 6block/KTA gang.

“Five years ago, Hakeem Robinson and Leroy Whitaker stalked a man and gunned him down in broad daylight because of disputes and drill rap,” prosecutors instructed the court docket. “Today will not erase that hurt, but it brings some kind of relief, knowing that these individuals will no longer have the power to take another life.”

Defense attorneys argued for decreased sentences, pointing to the rapper’s youth and restricted legal document, however the court docket imposed the utmost penalty allowed by regulation.

Before sentencing, Lil Buck’s mother had a statement read aloud in court, describing the pain of losing her son over lyrics.

“This case is a painful reminder that Charles lost his life for simply saying something others didn’t like,” she wrote. “We pray that this moment causes reflection, not only for those being sentenced, but for anyone listening. One reckless moment, one decision can destroy many lives, including your own.”

She additionally referred to as for change throughout the Hip-Hop neighborhood. “As a community, we must take a stand against music and messages that glorify real violence and the loss of innocent lives.”

The homicide trial highlighted the continued violence tied to Jacksonville’s drill rap scene, the place lyrical rivalries typically spill into real-world bloodshed.

Prosecutors mentioned the killing was half of a bigger battle between the ATK (Aces Top Killers) and 6block/KTA (Kill Them All) gangs, each of which have been linked to a number of homicides in recent times.

Another man concerned within the homicide, Dominique Barner, cooperated with authorities and pleaded responsible to second-degree homicide. Meanwhile, Robinson’s brother, Abdul Robinson Jr., is awaiting trial on prices of first-degree homicide and accent after the actual fact.

Their father, Abdul Robinson Sr., testified in opposition to Ksoo and can also be charged as an adjunct. Attorneys for each Ksoo and ATK Scotty mentioned they plan to attraction the convictions.

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