In the early morning hours of August 1, 2021, a fatal shooting in Louisville, Kentucky, claimed the life of 29-year-old Derrick Robinson II. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. outside of Friend's Hookah Café on Bardstown Road in the Highlands neighborhood, where Robinson was an employee. An altercation that began inside the establishment escalated and moved outdoors, leading to the deadly confrontation.
Surveillance footage from the scene captured a man, later identified as Larry
Hinkle, retrieving a firearm from his vehicle. Following an exchange of words, Hinkle fired multiple shots at Robinson. Robinson, who was also armed, managed to return fire, striking Hinkle's truck as the suspect fled the scene. Despite being rushed to the University Hospital, Derrick Robinson II succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation swiftly led authorities to Larry Hinkle, a resident of Goshen, Kentucky. Evidence against him included the surveillance video and the damage to his truck, which he had attempted to have repaired to conceal his involvement. Hinkle was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with Robinson's death.
Ultimately, Larry Hinkle pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence. His initial murder charge was amended as part of the plea agreement. In June 2022, Hinkle was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the death of Derrick Robinson II. He will serve ten years for the manslaughter charge and an additional five years for tampering with evidence, with no eligibility for probation.
