Shanquella Robinson's family release balloons and celebrate what would have been her 26th birthday
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: While the investigation into Shanquella Robinson’s murder is underway, her family celebrated what would have been her 26th birthday at the Beatties Ford Memorial Garden on Sunday, January 8. On the day before her birthday, many pink, white and yellow balloons were released into the sky. Robinson’s mother, Salamondra, was being consoled by a family member at the event.
A report by RadarOnline stated that Mexican prosecutors have filed charges against an American woman, suspected of being involved in Robinson’s death. Her name has been withheld. The businesswoman died after what had been declared by the coroner as "alcohol poisoning" during a vacation to Cabo. A homicide probe is currently underway to determine the real cause.
RELATED NEWS
"Our hope is justice," event organizer Mario Black with Million Youth March of Charlotte & Salisbury reportedly said, adding, "And this is one way of keeping it going, keeping it alive, to let them know that we haven't forgotten. We're not going to let up until justice is served."
About someone finally being charged in her daughter's murder, Salamondra said, "I feel so good, that’s a good feeling. That's what we have been waiting for, for someone to finally be held accountable.”
Mexican authorities were reportedly seeking the suspect's extradition, but no arrests have been confirmed. Salamondra said that her family was yet to receive any update on the matter from US officials. "We're waiting to see and I know it will happen," Salamondra said, adding, "In God's time, it will happen. She's smiling down on us…We have good days and bad days, but we're out here to celebrate."
While the family in under pressure due to the media scrutiny, a viral video had emerged showing Robinson being beaten up at the villa before her death. "I automatically yelled. At that moment, I was wishing I was there," said Robinson’s sister, Tequila Long. She added, "I played that video over and over again. They had to wake her up out of her sleep because she sleeps naked. And she was naked standing there, and here she is fighting this girl. And my sister’s like 5'1″, 100 pounds. That image of her didn't sit well with me."
