Feds Decline To File Charges In Shanquella Robinson's Death
Federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, that they have declined to press federal charges, citing a lack of strong evidence.
The family of a Charlotte, North Carolina woman who died while vacationing with a group of friends in Mexico say they are “disappointed but not deterred” after federal detectives said they would no longer pursue the case.
What Is the Latest With The Shanquella Robinson Story?
Federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, that they have declined to press federal charges, citing a lack of strong evidence.
“As in every case under consideration for federal prosecution, the government must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a federal crime was committed,” the Department of Justice said in a news release. “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.”
The Department of Justice added that it reached its conclusion after extensive probing, including the completion of an autopsy in the United States.
The announcement was met with harsh criticism from Sue-Ann Robinson, the attorney for the family (not related). She said the federal authorities have been moving slowly, which has hindered the investigation.
“We know that we have to carve our own path to justice,” she told reporters. “We knew that we are obviously in a state of affairs where there’s two different justice systems in America.”
What Is The Shanquella Robinson Story?
Shanquella Robinson was found beaten to death in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico in October 2022 after traveling with some acquaintances. When her parents questioned those who went on the trip with Robinson, all of them had little to say about the events surrounding her death.
A viral video supposedly taken a short while before Robinson died showed another woman continually beating Robinson, who is naked and lucid, in a hotel room. There were spectators in the room, including the voice of one male, who purportedly recorded it with his phone and is heard saying, ‘Quella, can you at least fight back?”
Sallamondra Robinson, Shanquella’s mother, said that her youngest daughter was a very giving person.
"She'd give you the shirt off her back," Sallamondra told People magazine. "She didn't harm people, and she wasn't a drama person."
The Department of Justice said it has been usually forthcoming about its investigation into the death of Robinson because of the high interest in the case.
“The death of Ms. Robinson has been incredibly difficult for her family and the community,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “As a matter of policy, federal officials generally do not issue public statements concerning the status of an investigation. However, given the circumstances of Ms. Robinson’s death and the public concern surrounding this investigation, it is important to reassure the public that experienced federal agents and seasoned prosecutors extensively reviewed the available evidence and have concluded that federal charges cannot be pursued.”
A death certificate lists Robinson’s death as “accidental or violent,” noting that the time between injury and death was 15 minutes.
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