The family of an American tourist who died after she was attacked in Mexico is suing the six friends she was vacationing with, accusing them of having a role in her death — as well as the FBI for failing to make any arrests exactly two years on.
Shanquella Robinson died on Oct. 29, 2022, while on vacation with a group of friends, referred to in the lawsuit as the “Cabo Six,” who told authorities the 25-year-old died from alcohol poisoning — when she actually died from a broken neck.
Soon after Robinson’s death, videos emerged of her being viciously beaten by members of the group during their trip to San Jose del Cabo. However, the FBI declined to bring charges and no arrests have been made.
“We need justice for Shanquella Robinson,” Sallamondra Robinson, Shanquella’s mother, said, according to WCNC. “It’s been two years and there’s no reason that no one has been arrested yet. I need justice for my child.”
Her mother is suing the Cabo Six, alleging multiple counts of wrongful death, battery, negligence, conspiracy, and emotional distress. The lawsuit also names the US Department of State and the FBI as defendants, claiming both agencies are responsible for investigative failures and delaying justice.
The family is also calling for the arrest and extradition of Daejhanae Jackson, who is wanted in Mexico for femicide, the mother’s Attorney Sue-Ann Robinson said, according to WSOC-TV.
In the lawsuit, her family claims the six people on the trip never told a doctor about the attack and also refused requests to take Shanquella to the hospital.
“This lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for Shanquella Robinson; it’s about holding accountable those who were entrusted with the duty to investigate, act, and protect the interests of US citizens abroad,” Sue-Ann Robinson wrote.
“The heartbreaking details of Shanquella’s death and the subsequent mishandling by federal authorities only add to the family’s grief, and they deserve both full transparency and justice.”
The suit claims the slain woman’s mother has experienced anxiety, depression and other mental distress after her daughter’s death.
The lawsuit is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.