Mother and Racial Justice Network Blame North Charleston Police and Solicitor’s Office for Death of 19-Year-Old Witness

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : NORTH CHARLESTON — The North Charleston Police Department and the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office are facing criticism and blame from the mother of a recent homicide victim and the Racial Justice Network. They argue that these institutions bear some responsibility for the death of 19-year-old Xzavier Robertson because he was identified as a witness in a homicide.

In an emotional plea for answers at a press conference on November 15, James Johnson, the founder and CEO of the Racial Justice Network, along with Robertson’s family, demanded justice for his October 11 fatal shooting. Robertson was just 14 years old when he witnessed a homicide, and his family believes that he was targeted for death after his name was released as a potential witness against the person accused of committing that homicide five years ago.

According to family members, Robertson began to be labeled a “snitch,” and his mother, Sebrina Washington, believes that he was killed to prevent him from testifying. Tearfully, Washington pleaded for answers, stating, “I want answers. I’m not sweeping this under the rug. I’m not being quiet. That was my child.”

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Robertson’s slaying on East Surrey Drive. An incident report lists a juvenile as a suspect. Johnson placed the blame on the North Charleston Police Department and the Solicitor’s Office, asserting that both institutions need to be held accountable.

However, both the North Charleston Police Department and the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations. The 9th Circuit Solicitor, Scarlett Wilson, stated, “We have followed the rules of discovery and will address the investigation when it is appropriate to do so.”

Robertson’s mother is desperate to know how her son’s identity as a witness became public knowledge. She expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, “You didn’t protect my child. But when he did something wrong, it was easy for you to arrest him. At times, it was easy for you to railroad him. But you didn’t protect my child. As a mother, I’m not letting this go.”

Washington emphasized that her son had been arrested before for drug possession and unlawfully carrying a weapon, as indicated by jail records. She acknowledged that witnessing a homicide at a young age had traumatized him and fueled his anger, but she maintained that he was a good son. Tearfully, she described him as a “Momma’s Boy” with a beautiful smile that brought life to her.

Rushia Robertson, Xzavier’s aunt, highlighted the irony of the North Charleston Police Department’s call for the community to “See something, Say something.” She questioned why anyone would cooperate and provide information to the police when doing so puts lives in danger.

James Johnson, representing the Racial Justice Network, expressed his skepticism about the Black community’s willingness to cooperate with the police. He stated, “We want the Black community to participate with the police department when it comes to snitching, but it is causing young Black males their lives.”

Alesia Flores, an attorney from North Charleston who attended the press conference in support of the family, appealed to both the North Charleston Police Department and the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to ensure that Robertson’s death is not in vain. She urged them to learn from this tragedy, correct any mistakes, and prioritize the safety of children in the community.

As of November 15, no legal actions have been filed against the North Charleston Police Department or the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. However, Johnson announced that a lawsuit would be forthcoming..