CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of Shanquella Robinson is holding the FBI accountable in a $100 million lawsuit, claiming negligence in the investigation into her untimely death. Recent court filings have brought new details to light regarding administrative claims made to federal agencies prior to this legal action.
Supplemental declarations filed by the FBI reveal that Robinson’s family, specifically her mother, Sallamondra Robinson, submitted several “Notice of Intent to Sue” letters in late 2024. These claims will be central to a court hearing scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday. The FBI’s acknowledgment of two previously undisclosed notices, dated December 4 and December 13, 2024, highlights the family’s insistence on accountability. These notices allege negligence in both the investigation of Robinson’s death and the failure to return her belongings.
Court documents indicate that Sallamondra Robinson has experienced significant economic and emotional harm due to what the family describes as the FBI’s breach of duty. The timing of these notices is particularly crucial, as federal defendants, including the FBI and the State Department, have filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit, asserting that administrative claims must be resolved before pursuing litigation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Robinson, a 25-year-old resident of Charlotte, died in October 2022 while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, alongside six acquaintances dubbed the “Cabo Six.” Her death certificate cited a severe spinal cord injury and a broken neck, sparking widespread outrage and national attention, particularly after a video purportedly showing her being assaulted circulated online.
The Robinson family is currently navigating two simultaneous legal battles. The first involves a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the six individuals who traveled with Robinson, alleging that one of them, Daejhanae Jackson, physically attacked her during the trip. This suit seeks damages for wrongful death, battery, negligence, conspiracy, and emotional distress. Four of the defendants are lobbying for the case to take place in Mexico, arguing it is the appropriate jurisdiction.
The second legal front is a federal lawsuit targeting the FBI and State Department, announced by attorney Ben Crump on April 18. This suit seeks substantial damages over the perceived lack of diligence in the investigation surrounding Robinson’s death. The recent court filings are pertinent to this federal action.
As it stands, the FBI’s Charlotte field office has declared that available evidence does not support federal prosecution. Despite a previous arrest warrant issued in November 2022 by Mexican authorities for potential femicide charges, no arrests have been made to date, leaving the case unresolved.
In the upcoming court hearing, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. will hear arguments regarding the federal defendants’ motion to dismiss and review the recent declarations. The federal agencies maintain that these new documents do not alter their position regarding the motion. Attorneys representing the Robinson family are prepared to assert that they complied with necessary procedures before filing their suit and stress that federal entities should be held accountable for their actions.
The outcome of Wednesday’s proceedings could significantly influence whether the lawsuit remains viable, determining the path forward for the $100 million claim.
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