Shanquella Robinson's family files lawsuit against FBI, State Department and 'Cabo Six' for wrongful death

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It’s a case that captured the nation and left little to no answers for a grieving family. Tuesday marked the two-year anniversary of the death of Charlotte native Shanquella Robinson during a trip to Mexico. Now her family is suing those she traveled with: the State Department and the FBI.

“I’m tired of this stuff,” said Sallamondra Robinson, Shanquella Robinson’s mother. “I need justice for my child.”

It’s been two years since 25-year-old Shanquella Robinson lost her life while traveling with others in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, just a day after arriving at the villa.

In a new wrongful death lawsuit, her mother claims that six others on the trip dubbed the “Cabo Six” lied about her death and tried to cover up what happened.

Wrongful death lawsuit filed over the mysterious death of Shanquella Robinson in Mexico

“I don’t want to be here,” said family attorney Sue-Ann Robinson. “I didn’t want to be here. If it were up to me, we would have done a thorough investigation and had answers for this family two years ago.”

The Cabo Six claim that Shanquella hurt herself after getting drunk. The lawsuit states that one of the defendants told police she suffered bruises on her head and arms from a “fall in the pool.”

However, days after they all returned home without her, a video surfaced of Shanquella being attacked naked by another woman in the villa where the group stayed. Others watched the fight and encouraged “Quella” to fight back. She says no before being thrown to the ground and punched and kicked in the head and neck.

She died the next day, and her autopsy conducted by Mexican authorities revealed that she died of severe spinal cord injury and neck trauma. However, when her body returned home, a second autopsy by the FBI contradicted that view.

“(…) unreasonable delay in investigation and mishandling of evidence led to erosion and destruction of evidence.”

The family claims the FBI did not take their case seriously, and a delay between autopsies led to mixed results.

“Federal authorities have a duty to investigate a claim thoroughly and quickly,” Sue-Ann Robinson told Queen City News.

An FBI representative tells Queen City News that it is their standard practice not to comment on pending litigation.

Sallamondra said: “Some of these people should have already been in prison. Long time ago. Long time ago! You have a video. If it had been someone else’s child, they would have been locked up.”

Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant for one of the Cabo Six, but to this day that person has not been extradited. Robinson’s attorney says the State Department dropped the ball.

“The problem is that the process hasn’t even started yet, and the incident hasn’t even happened for two years,” says Sue-Ann Robinson.

Moreover, the family wants to be held accountable. They claim one of the “Cabo Six” defeated Shanquella, resulting in her death, and claim the group conspired to cover it all up. Shanquella’s death has caused a world of pain for her family and those who knew and loved her. They are hopeful that this lawsuit will ease the burden of justice.

“This was a choice,” said family friend and Cosmopolitan Community Church pastor Irma Gardner. “This wasn’t a mistake any of you made. This was a choice, and when you make choices in life, there is a consequence behind every choice you make. And it may take a long time, but God will not let you through.”

The lawsuit also alleges that the FBI took several months to complete their investigation into the matter but failed to provide the documents requested in a Freedom Of Information Act request. The defendants will be served with the lawsuit; they then have 21 days to respond.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit Queen City News.