Shanquella Robinson’s family demands answers after her death

CHARLOTTE, NC — A nationwide call for justice has been shared across social media posts as more people learn of 25-year-old Shanquella Robinson of Charlotte, North Carolina, who died in October while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. died. Many posts use the hashtag #JusticeforShanquella in hopes that their story will make headlines nationally.

The North Carolina Beat reports that Robinson and a group of friends left for Mexico on October 29. Less than 24 hours later, according to the blog, the friends said Robinson was unwell from alcohol poisoning and later died.

Robinson’s family believes there is much more to her death.

A video posted online shows Robinson being attacked by one of the friends she was traveling with. WCNC Charlotte chose not to record the video due to the graphic imagery.

Chris Swecker, a retired FBI deputy director, said new details like these should be enough to get Mexican officials to revisit the case.

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“Based on the autopsy, I think this is a suspicious death that should be thoroughly investigated and the more media focus you give it,” Swecker said. “I’ve had experience of this before, the more the Mexican government will put pressure on their investigative agencies and get to the bottom of it.”

So far, no one in the group has been charged with the alleged attack on Robinson or her death. Swecker said there is a law that gives the FBI and State Department the ability to investigate the murder of a US citizen in a foreign country by another US citizen, but there are limitations.

“If the foreign country is willing to prosecute that person, they will exercise that jurisdiction,” Swecker said, or investigations into the perpetrator.”

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department said they were not involved in the investigation at all. WCNC Charlotte has been working to track down the friends Robinson traveled with; they have either not commented or have left the area and are no longer available.

WCNC Charlotte contacted the FBI Charlotte Field Office to see if they would investigate her death. They released the following statement:

“The FBI Charlotte Field Office has opened an investigation into the death of Charlotte resident Shanquella Robinson in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on or about October 29, 2022. Due to the ongoing investigation, we have no further comment.”

The Baja California Sur Attorney General’s Office said: “The case was opened as femicide. We will continue the investigation.”

US Congresswoman Alma Adams made the statement following reports of Robinson’s death:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Shanquella Robinson and my heart goes out to her family and those who loved her. No parent deserves to suffer this tragedy.

“As with all cases involving voters, our Congressional Bureau stands ready to assist federal agencies in any way we can. Any citizen who needs assistance with a federal agency may open a case with our office at 704-344-9950 or at adams.house.gov.”

Charlotte NAACP President Reverend Corine Mack said Robinson’s death broke her heart. She said no family should have to endure that kind of pain.

“Can you imagine the damage they’re going through, the trauma they’re going through, the loss they’re going to have to endure for the rest of their lives?” Mack asked. “I don’t think anyone can take that kind of pain without getting justice.”

She added her family deserves a thorough investigation and answers.

“Robinson is someone who could be my daughter, someone’s daughter, and I think the reason people are so angry … so upset is because she was with people who were trusted … who contributed something to her loss.” .” said Mack.

NAACP officials are calling on those who made the trip and anyone with information to come forward.

“As we begin to take on our own responsibilities, perhaps we can see a change in temperature in the community,” said Rev. Sonya Campbell of the Charlotte NAACP.

The organization is in contact with the family and will continue to support them and urge a full investigation.

“This is a citizen of this country,” Mack said. “We fight so often for those around the world. Fight for our sister. Fight for the Robinson family.”

The family organized one GoFundMe to put Robinson to rest. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Charlotte.

Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and keep following her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or keep following her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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