Christian Robinson, a 14-year-old boy from Port Richey, Florida, tragically lost his life on February 14, 2018, as a result of a drive-by shooting. Christian, who was described as a fun-loving and kind-hearted teenager, was fatally wounded while sitting in the back seat of a car waiting at a U-turn lane on southbound US-19 near Ridge Crest Drive. The vehicle he was in was followed by another car, from which shots were fired, striking Christian.
He succumbed to his injuries three days later, on February 17, 2018.
Christian's death deeply affected his family and community. His mother, Tanya Robinson, has been vocal about her grief and her quest for justice for her son. She has kept his memory alive through various means, including small paintings outside her house and distributing bracelets to his friends that read “#LongLiveChris” with his birth and death dates. Christian was remembered for his love of music, drawing, spending time with friends, and his desire to help others. His organ donations helped save five lives, a fact that brought some comfort to his grieving family.
The investigation into Christian's death led to the arrest of Steven Irizarry Marin, a 27-year-old man, about a month after the shooting. Marin was charged with homicide in connection with the drive-by shooting. According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Marin followed the car Christian was in and opened fire when the vehicle turned into a cul-de-sac. Surveillance video from surrounding homes captured the sound of multiple gunshots, and detectives found a PDF with the definition of homicide on Marin's phone, downloaded hours after the shooting. Marin's trial was scheduled to begin on July 22, 2019.
Christian Robinson's death remains a poignant reminder of the impact of gun violence on young lives and the enduring pain it causes to families and communities. His mother continues to seek answers and justice, hoping to understand the motive behind the senseless act that took her son's life.
