Israel Malachi Robinson Sentenced to 55 Years for Teen’s Murder in North Charleston
Charleston, S.C. (WCIV) — Israel Malachi Robinson, 23, was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
The sentencing follows the 2021 shooting of 16-year-old Jaquez Butler at Pinecrest Apartments in North Charleston. On June 22, 2021, Butler and E.J. Morgan were ambushed by Robinson and another shooter while walking through the playground. Morgan managed to escape, but Butler was shot 15 times, mostly in the back, and later died from his injuries.
Investigators revealed that Robinson had an ongoing feud with a group of people he believed were “hunting him.” Robinson and his co-defendant, Framon Frasier Jr., shot at the playground a total of 28 times, mistakenly thinking that Butler and Morgan were part of the group.
Assistant Solicitor Zeigler remarked, “Robinson was being hunted, but he became the hunter.” Judge Patrick C. Fant, III handed down Robinson’s 55-year sentence, bringing justice to Butler’s family.