The Texas Rangers and police in Forest Hill have captured one of two suspects in a brutal murder that involved Texas rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter.
The suspect, 24-year-old Adonis Robinson, was arrested on Thursday afternoon in Livingston, Texas, approximately 75 miles east of Houston. The other suspect, 21-year-old Jakobie Russell, is still on the loose.
The community has been left reeling by this horrific event not only because a promising rapper’s life was lost, but because it took with it that of his five-year-old daughter on the day after she had celebrated a birthday.
Forest Hill Police Chief David Hernandez has confirmed Robinson’s arrest and emphasized that it resulted from a joint operation between local police and Texas Rangers. How investigators traced Robinson to Livingston has not been released.
The search continues for Russell, who is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities have urged the public not to engage with him but to call law enforcement immediately if they have any information about his whereabouts.
“They’re scared. They’re cowards. They’re hiding, We need the public’s help to bring them both to justice.”
Chief Hernandez said at a press conference. Law enforcement officials are determined to close in on Russell, with multiple agencies working together to track him down.
The fatal shooting occurred on Monday, March 3, at Slappy’s Car Wash in Forest Hill, 30 miles from Dallas. A surveillance video that has surfaced online captures the terrifying moments leading up to the crime.
G$ Lil Ronnie is seen wearing a bright orange tracksuit fleeing for life and is later gunned down. More than 30 spent casings were recovered at the crime scene, indicating a brutal and targeted attack.
According to investigators, the assailants pulled up in a white Kia, approached the rapper’s car, and opened fire before speeding away. Tragically, his daughter, R’Mani, had just arrived to spend time with her father minutes before the shooting.
“The timing makes it even more heartbreaking, She had just celebrated her fifth birthday the day before.”
Said Bishop Rodney McIntosh, a family representative.
Despite efforts by first responders, both father and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.
Ronnie Smith, better known as G$ Lil Ronnie, was an emerging talent in the Texas rap scene. He had been making waves with his music, primarily his latest single, Chase, which was gaining traction among fans.
But beyond music, he was a devoted father. His social media accounts were filled with loving tributes to his children, including a heartfelt Valentine’s Day post about R’Mani just weeks before the tragedy.
“He wasn’t in the streets. He wasn’t causing problems,He was a rapper and a family man. Why would anyone do this to him?”
Said his aunt, Stella Houston.
R’Mani’s death has devastated the community, especially her mother, who is struggling with unimaginable grief. “No mother should have to bury her child,” McIntosh said on her behalf.
Both Robinson and Russell have extensive criminal histories.
- Robinson, now in custody, is a convicted sex offender who was released from prison last August. His record includes sexual assault and failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.
- Russell, still at large, has a history of violent offenses, including an assault charge earlier this year and an assault against a pregnant woman in 2023.
The two men now face capital murder charges, the most severe charge under Texas law, which could carry the death penalty.
Law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to determine the motive behind the attack. While some speculate that it may be linked to Lil Ronnie’s music career, Chief Hernandez stated that “everything is under investigation.”
The killings have sent shockwaves through the Fort Worth community. Fans and fellow artists have paid tribute to Lil Ronnie, remembering him as a rapper and a loving father.
Melinda Hamilton, founder of Mothers of Murdered Angels, has called for stronger measures against gun violence.
“No child should lose their life like this,”
She said.
Local officials, including Fort Worth City Councilman Chris Nettles, have also spoken out, emphasizing the community’s need for justice and safety.
“The people responsible for this must be held accountable,”
Nettles stated.
With Robinson in custody, the focus now shifts to capturing Russell. Authorities continue to urge the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest.
