Nearly a decade has passed since the tragic murder of Cordell Robinson, and the case remains unsolved, leaving detectives perplexed and a grieving family yearning for closure. With a shocing video capturing the crime, authorities are reaching out to the public in the hopes that someone can provide crucial information anonymously.
Tina Brooms, Cordell Robinson's mother, still carries the pain of losing her son every day. Reflecting on their last conversation before the fateful incident on July 17, 2011, she recalls the heart-wrenching exchange. "I talked to my son when I was at work. He just kept saying, 'Mom, I love you.' And I said, 'I love you too,' not knowing that was going to be the last 'I love you.'"
According to law enforcement, Robinson was near 18th and Kerney Place around 2:15 a.m. following a party, just moments before his life was tragically cut short. Surveillance footage from a nearby store captured the suspects fleeing the scene, although the video quality is limited. Detectives hope that even with the short and grainy footage, someone may be able to identify the individuals involved.
MPD Detective Timothy Keller believes the motive behind the murder was pure intent to kill. Robinson was going through a difficult period in his life, struggling with drug addiction, which had garnered him a fair share of enemies. "The investigation revealed that he owed potentially a large amount of money to a drug dealer, and that could be a motive for this," Det. Keller explained. "We learned from talking with his inner circle that he was resorting to theft and scams to repay the debt. Many people may have taken issue with the lifestyle he was leading."
However, Tina Brooms emphasizes that her son's struggles were only a small part of his character. She hopes that someone will recognize the true essence of Cordell and come forward with any information, not only for his sake but also for her own. "Cordell was a giver; he would give you the shirt off his back. He was very smart," she fondly recalls. "I had no idea how many lives he had touched until he died, until he was killed."
Touched by the support and perseverance shown by those who still care after all these years, Tina Brooms expresses her gratitude. She knows the journey for justice is arduous for parents who have lost a child but remains hopeful. "I hope to get justice. I hope that the person or persons responsible will come forward, perhaps even turn themselves in."
As the investigation into Cordell Robinson's murder continues, authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward. The key to solving this cold case lies within the collective effort of the community, as they seek justice for a young man whose life was tragically cut short.