Covering the Land of Lincoln

A man shot a teenager eight times because of sexual orientation

A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court today to committing a hate crime by shooting a local teenager eight times in an attempted murder that was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation.

Malachi Robinson (26), pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to one count each of violating Matthew Shepard Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Robinson, who has been in federal custody since he was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 10, 2021, will remain in federal detention until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

Robinson pleaded guilty today and admitted that he shot the victim eight times with a Taurus 9mm pistol. He was trying to kill him for his sexual orientation.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said that the defendant is being held responsible for violently attempting the end of someone’s life due to his sexual orientation. “This attempted killing is a reminder that hate crime against the LGBTQI+ community is real and must not be ignored. Violent acts targeting people based on their sexual orientation are heinous crimes that have no place in our country. Justice Department will continue to apply civil rights laws to seek justice for survivors and other victims of bias-motivated crimes.

U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore, Western District of Missouri, stated that violence against others motivated by hatred of their sexual orientation is unacceptable. “Such callous disregard for the life of a teenage victim, gravely wounded in a failed murder attempt, must be challenged by a commitment to protect the civil rights of all our citizens. The Justice Department will hold those who violate those rights accountable if they are threatened.”

Assistant Director Luis Quesada with the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division stated that hate crimes, and the violence we witnessed in this instance, are particularly cruel because victims can be attacked simply because they are different. “Hate crimes are a top priority for the FBI’s civil rights program. Everybody deserves to feel safe and free to express themselves, without fear or violence from others,” said Luis Quesada, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring justice to all communities affected by hate.”

According to today’s plea agreement, Robinson and M.S. allegedly met after a chance encounter at the Kansas City Public Library in May 29, 2019. After a brief conversation over Facebook Messenger, Robinson and M.S. left the library. Robinson then walked with M.S. Robinson then walked with M.S. through Swope Park, pretending to be looking for a sex spot. Around the same time, Robinson wrote separately to his girlfriend that he “might shoot this boy” because of his sexual orientation. Robinson and M.S. Robinson and M.S. eventually entered the wooded area next to M.S.

Robinson ran through the woods towards his apartment building and continued to try to avoid detection or arrest. Later that day, and in the days that followed, Robinson told others that he shot M.S. because of his sexual orientation.

Under federal statutes, Robinson is subject to a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is set by Congress. This information is provided for informational purposes only. The sentencing of the defendant will depend on the advisory sentencing guidelines as well as other statutory factors. After the U.S. completes a presentence investigation, a hearing for sentencing will be scheduled. Probation Office.

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