Federal prosecutors decline to bring charges in the death of Shanquella Robinson, a Charlotte resident who died while on vacation in Mexico, sparking calls for high-level diplomatic intervention.
Where's The Justice For Shanquella Robinson?
Federal prosecutors have announced that they will not be pursuing charges related to the death of Shanquella Robinson, a 25-year-old resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, who died while on vacation in Mexico last October. U.S. Attorneys Sandra J. Hairston and Dena J. King stated in a statement that the available evidence does not support a federal prosecution. They also noted that in every case considered for federal prosecution, the government must prove "beyond a reasonable doubt, that a federal crime was committed."
Robinson, a Black woman, was found dead in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, and a viral video (seen below) that emerged shortly after her death showed another woman severely beating her in a hotel, while two spectators in the room recorded the incident. Initially, Robinson's acquaintances blamed her death on alcohol poisoning, but an autopsy by Mexican authorities later concluded that she had suffered trauma to her neck and spine.
Shanquella Robinson: Autopsy Discrepancies
However, there was a discrepancy between the Mexican autopsy and the one conducted by U.S. officials, which was cited as a basis for why no charges could be brought. The Robinson family's attorneys noted that this discrepancy could be attributed to the delay in investigation by U.S. officials, who conducted a second autopsy once Robinson's body was embalmed.
Mexican authorities have issued arrest warrants and requested the suspect in Robinson's death be extradited to face charges there, but legal experts say it's unusual for the U.S. to extradite its own citizens. The Robinson family is now calling on the White House and the State Department for a "high-level diplomatic intervention."
While the family is "disappointed" by the lack of charges, they are "not deterred" and are continuing to pursue justice for Robinson. They are planning to rally and march to the State Department on May 19, which will mark the 200th day since Robinson's death. Sue-Ann Robinson, the family's attorney (who isn't related), emphasized that the message cannot be that U.S. citizens can go overseas and commit crimes against other U.S. citizens and come back and say that they're on base, that they're safe, that they're not going to be arrested.
RIP Shanquella Robinson.
Viewers Discretion: Shanquella Robinson Video
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