JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The state and defense have rested in the case against Leroy Whitaker, also known as ATK Scotty. He is being tried in the same murder trial as Jacksonville rapper Ksoo (real name Hakeem Robinson); the two are accused in the 2020 murder of Charles McCormick.

Whitaker is also accused in a violent home invasion that took place after the crime. Prosecutors say he and Dominique Barner, another accomplice, fled from the scene and broke into a woman’s home. There, they stole her husband’s pajamas so they could change out of the clothes they wore during the shooting.

Ksoo’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., testified he was the one who picked them up from the home. He identified Barner and Whitaker as the two at the scene of the crime, and confirmed seeing the two in “Mountain Dew pajamas.” 

The home invasion victim took the stand to describe the two men coming into her home and was able to identify a tattoo that is on Whitaker’s right arm. However, under cross-examination, Whitaker’s attorney Julie Schlax said the victim had previously testified her attacker did not have a tattoo on his right arm. 

Barner, the accomplice, pleaded guilty to his involvement with the case. He was able to make a plea deal with the state, agreeing to testify against Whitaker and Robinson in exchange for a shortened sentence. He admitted to battering the home invasion victim.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Christopher Smith with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office took the stand. He said he was unaware that the home invasion victim was unable to identify Whitaker in a lineup after the crime. 

Whitaker’s attorney, Julie Schlax, argued throughout the trial that her client is not the gunman in the crime and that the only person who would be proven involved in the murder was Barner.

During Barner’s testimony, Schlax asked him if he had lied to the police or attorneys in previous cases, including under oath. He agreed that yes, he had.

Schlax argued that Barner is a violent criminal who was testifying in order to walk free again. Barner is also charged in a second murder, where he was paid to kill someone and shot a bystander by mistake. This case was explained to the jury.

Whitaker’s case is being tried by a separate jury from Robinson. His attorney will deliver her closing argument after all the testimony is complete.

The state has also concluded calling witnesses in Robinson’s case, and Robinson’s team will now call their remaining witnesses.