Vanessa Abrahamson Blog: A man shot a teenager eight times because of sexual orientation

Today, a Kansas City man was convicted in federal court of committing a hate offense by shooting a local teen eight times in an attempted killing motivated by 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 detention since he has been indicted by the federal grand jury on Aug. 10, 20,21, will remain there until his sentencing hearing.

Robinson pleaded guilty today to the fact that he shot the victim (identified in court records as M.S.) approximately eight times with a Taurus 9mm gun in an attempt kill him due to his sexual orientation. This resulted in life-threatening injuries.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, stated that the defendant was being held responsible for violently trying to end someone’s life because of his sexual orientation. “This attempted assassination is a reminder to all that hate crimes against the LGBTQI+ population are real and must always be dealt with. Violent acts targeting people based on their sexual orientation are heinous crimes that have no place in our country. Justice Department will continue using civil rights laws to pursue justice in the case of survivors and others who were impacted by bias-motivated crimes.

“Violence against others, motivated by hatred of their sexual orientation, is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore of the Western District of Missouri. “Such a cruel disregard for the life a teenage victim, who was fatally wounded in a failed attempt at murder, must be challenged.” The commitment to protect civil rights of all citizens must also be challenged. The Justice Department will take action to hold those who violate these rights accountable when they are threatened.”

Assistant Director Luis Quesada, of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, stated that hate crimes and the violence in this case are especially cruel because victims are targeted because of their identity. “The FBI places hate crimes at the top of its civil rights program. Everyone deserves to be free to express their feelings without fear. We will work with law enforcement partners to bring justice for all communities that have been affected by hate.”

Today’s plea agreement states that Robinson and M.S. met at the Kansas City Public Library May 29th, 2019. talked briefly over Facebook Messenger before leaving the library. Robinson then walked with M.S. Robinson then walked with M.S. in the Swope park area, claiming he was looking for a place to have sex. Robinson wrote to his girlfriend separately at the same moment, threatening to shoot him because of his sexual orientation. Robinson and M.S. Robinson and M.S. eventually entered a nearby wooded area, where Robinson pulled out his pistol to fire repeatedly at M.S.

Robinson ran through the woods towards his apartment building and continued to try to avoid detection or arrest. Robinson told others later that day that he had shot M.S. Because of his sexual orientation.

Robinson is subject under federal statutes to a sentence of at least 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. conducts a presentence inquiry, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. Probation Office.

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