Zetavius Robins, a 21-year-old African American male from Lufkin, Texas, tragically lost his life on March 9, 2022. The incident occurred at a Sonic fast-food restaurant in Lufkin, where Robins was involved in a brief verbal altercation with Ishmael Muhammad, a 20-year-old male from Corrigan, Texas. The confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in Muhammad shooting Robins as he attempted to leave the restaurant in his vehicle.
After being wounded, Robins crashed his car into a building across the street. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Lufkin Police Department launched an investigation into the shooting, initially suspecting the involvement of a second shooter. However, through the course of their investigation, they identified Muhammad as the sole perpetrator. Muhammad was apprehended shortly after the incident during a traffic stop conducted by a Department of Public Safety trooper, who had received a description of the suspect's vehicle via radio traffic. Muhammad was taken into custody without incident.
In addition to the murder charge, Muhammad faced multiple other charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was booked into the Angelina County Jail, where he awaited further legal proceedings. The police department emphasized that the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence, suggesting that the altercation between Robins and Muhammad was the catalyst for the tragic event.
The investigation into Robins' death continued as authorities gathered evidence and testimonies to build a comprehensive case against Muhammad. The community of Lufkin mourned the loss of Zetavius Robins, remembering him as a young man with a promising future. Friends and family members expressed their grief and paid tribute to Robins, highlighting the impact of his untimely death on those who knew and loved him.
