CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal prosecutors on Wednesday said they did not have enough evidence to press charges in connection with the death of a North Carolina woman in Mexico in October.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, prosecutors and officials with the FBI met on Wednesday with the family of Shanquella Robinson, 25, of Charlotte.
“Based on the results of the autopsy and after a careful deliberation and review of the investigative materials by both U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal prosecutors informed Ms. Robinson’s family today that the available evidence does not support a federal prosecution,” the news release stated.
Robinson was killed while on vacation near Cabo San Lucas, in a case that sparked anger after cellphone video online appeared to show the woman being beaten, WSOC-TV reported.
According to Mexican authorities and Bernard Robinson, the woman’s father, Shanquella Robinson was with six friends in Mexico when she was found unconscious in a living room of a villa in San José del Cabo on Oct. 29, 2022, The New York Times reported.
The group stayed at Villa Linda 32, a rental offered by CaboVillas.com.
A death certificate issued by Mexican officials listed the cause of death as “severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation” -- the dislocation of a ring-shaped bone that supports the skull, according to WSOC.
According to Rolling Stone, Robinson’s mother, Sallamondra Robinson, was originally told by the woman’s friends that the cause of death was alcohol poisoning.
The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office also conducted an autopsy, according to WSOC.
Family members have questioned why no one stepped in to stop the assault or why Robinson was being hit, The Associated Press reported.
Mexican authorities filed an arrest warrant but there have been no arrests.
The state attorney general’s office of Baja California Sur, in Mexico, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment, the Times reported.
“The death of Ms. Robinson has been incredibly difficult for her family and the community,” prosecutors said in the news release. “As a matter of policy, federal officials generally do not issue public statements concerning the status of an investigation. However, given the circumstances of Ms. Robinson’s death and the public concern surrounding this investigation, it is important to reassure the public that experienced federal agents and seasoned prosecutors extensively reviewed the available evidence and have concluded that federal charges cannot be pursued.”
In a statement, the family’s attorney, Sue-Ann Robinson, who is not a relative, said she was “disappointed but not deterred.”
“While it is discouraging for the loved ones of Shanquella that their own FBI will not be pursuing charges against Shanquella’s aggressor, it is our stance that justice is still possible for her death,” Robinson said. “There is still a chance at justice in Mexico. Mexican prosecutors have issued arrest warrants in this case and are willing to pursue charges. We strongly encourage the United States to prioritize facilitating extradition of those responsible for her death to Mexico to face accountability there.”