Goose Creek, South Carolina. A 23-year-old man will serve more than a decade in prison after confessing to shooting and killing a teenager in a Goose Creek incident over three years ago.
Aquan Grier was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with credit for 1,124 days previously served. The sentencing placed an end to a case that altered the lives of two families forever.
What happened
On September 22, 2022, Grier shot and killed 17-year-old Sir James Robinson following an altercation at a Taco Bell. According to attorneys, surveillance video shows Grier approaching Robinson’s car and handing over a bag of marijuana without receiving payment.
Grier is seen leaning into the automobile window and engaging in some sort of discussion. After that, Robinson drives away, and Grier walks away with a torn shirt.
Grier’s counsel stated in a previous hearing that Grier saw a gun pointed at him while they were driving away, prompting him to use his rifle as a means of “protecting his life.”
He was charged with one count of murder, four counts of attempted murder, carrying a weapon during a violent crime, and distribution of marijuana. Grier was denied bond for the fourth time after being arrested in October 2022.
Family Impact Statements
Both families testified in court about how the tragedy affected them.
“It could have been handled with fists.” It may have been handled using words. Regina Robinson, the victim’s mother, stated, “It could’ve been handled differently, and now I’ve lost my son.”
“That night was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life,” the victim’s aunt, Lashawn Peake, stated.
Grier’s mother stated, “As parents, we are losing our kids to the system or to the cemetery,” and that neither family should be present. She discussed Grier’s character, mentioning moments when he cared for her and helped the homeless. She claimed she was losing 15 years of memories and time with her kid.
Robinson’s father believes the sentence should be lengthened.
“I wanted more time, but no amount of time will bring back my kid. “I told God that if this is the way justice will be served, I’m fine with it,” stated James Robinson.
After three years, Robinson’s mother hopes to turn the family’s focus to remembering the victim.
“I feel like everyone’s only focused on how he was killed, and I want to focus on how he lived,” she told me.
“He was always a joyful child. He wanted everyone to laugh and be happy. “It was a pleasure to be around,” James Robinson explained.
Sir James Robinson’s mother stated that her son brought out the best in everyone he met.
Before imposing the official sentence, Judge Michael Nettles described gun violence as an epidemic, saying it has worsened since he began practicing law nearly four decades ago.
