MIAMI (WSVN) - A man who was going to enter a plea in connection to a drive-by shooting that killed a 7-year-old girl outside her Northwest Miami-Dade home ended up asking for a trial.
In court on Friday, 23-year-old Antonio Robinson opted for a trial in the case.
Robinson was the alleged getaway driver in the shooting back in July of 2020 that killed 7-year-old Alana Washington.
Three other family members of Washington were also shot that day outside her home in Brownsville.
Prosecutors said that Robinson’s codefendant, Jarvis Baker-Flanders, was the shooter.
The two were traveling in a grey Nissan Altima the day of the incident. Security cameras caught them following the family at a flea market. They then followed the family back to their home.
Surveillance cameras caught the sound of gunfire and a car speeding away.
Investigators said that Washington’s older brother was the intended target.
Baker-Flanders has refused a deal, but Robinson was ready to set a plea deal of guilty.
Had Robinson decided to take the plea deal, he could have spent up to 30 years in prison.
Although, Robinson had a last minute change of mind in Court.
“My understanding was that Mr. Robinson made a counteroffer of 30 years in Florida State prison. Have you since changed your mind, Mr. Robinson?” said Judge Ellen Venzer.
“Yes, just 30 years, it’s too much,” said Robinson.
“Mr. Robinson I understand that is your view of this case. However, there is a child that is dead. Thirty years seems like a drop in the bucket,” said Venzer.
Washington’s mother, along with several other family members, were in court for the hearing.
“We’re all standing here in the justice of Alana Washington,” said Washington’s mother, Shanlavie Drayton. “I have nothing to say about what happened in court. Only thing I can tell you — we pray for justice. Have a great day.”
As for the accused gunman in the case, 23-year-old Jarvis Baker-Flanders, he remains in jail awaiting his next day in court.
The trail for Robinson is set for June 6. If he is convicted at trial, he could spend the rest of his life in jail.
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