In a heartbreaking update, federal prosecutors told the family of Shanquella Robinson they would not bring charges in what Mexico authorities are investigating as a murder case.
Federal prosecutors say they do not have enough evidence to charge anyone with her murder based on the autopsy results.
A copy of Robinson’s death certificate obtained by WBTV shows “severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation” as the cause of death. Mexican authorities classified her death as “accidental or violent.”
“Based on the results of the autopsy and after a careful deliberation and review of the investigative materials by both U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal prosecutors informed Ms. Robinson’s family today that the available evidence does not support a federal prosecution,” a statement from United States Attorney Dena King, reads.
Shanquella Robinson Died While Vacationing With Friends
Robinson, 25, died while vacationing with friends in Cabo, Mexico, on Oct. 29, 2022.
Questions about the Charlotte native’s death emerged soon after videos made their rounds on social media. The heartbreaking video shows Robinson in a physical altercation where she’s violently beaten.
The video gained attention from political leaders and celebrities, prompting the hashtag #ShanquellaRobinson. People were demanding authorities take action against what people have called a deadly assault.
Following the video, Mexico officials charged one of the women said to be Robinson’s friend. The United States has not extradited the person charged with her death.
Federal prosecutors made this announcement weeks after Robinson’s family demanded action from the White House.
“Our hearts go out to Ms. Robinson’s family and friends. It is devastating what occurred,” White House Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during a news conference. “We’ve been following the news here, but because there is an FBI investigation underway, there is very little we can say.”
Social Media Responds To Shanquella Robinson Case Update
Many social media users reacted to Robinson’s case update stating that federal prosecutors failed the young woman.
Twitter user @yo_risk stated “They really failed you baby girl.”#ShanquellaRobinson
“We’re disappointed, but we’re not deterred,” Robinson family attorney Sue-Ann Robinson said during a news conference. “It’s not [something that was] unexpected. Black and Brown people have always had to carve their own path to justice, and we’ve been doing that since the beginning.”
This story is developing.
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