Former King Street bouncer convicted for 2021 murder

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — A former King Street Cabaret bouncer was convicted for murder and other charges Monday in connection to a deadly April 2021 shooting.

Melshaun Robinson was found guilty of murder, assault and battery in the first degree, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after a four-day jury trial, according to the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

He was sentenced to 33 years in jail by the Honorable Deadra L. Jefferson.

Evidence presented at trial showed Robinson shot two brothers-in-law, Zabdiel Tinoco-Hernandez and Jaziel Armenta-Zavela, after they were leaving the adult night club he worked at.

The two men spent an hour and a half at the club on April 25, 2021. When they left at 8:20 p.m. that night, Robinson confronted them.

Prosecutors said Robinson was angry at one of the men for alleged inappropriate behavior at the club and short-changing of a dancer. After the verbal altercation, the brothers went to the parking lot to leave while Robinson went to grab a gun.

Video surveillance showed Robinson meeting the brothers at their truck and continuing to argue with them. Robinson then threw a rock at the truck, and the men got out of the truck, confronting him. Robinson pulled out the gun and chased Zavala, fighting with him, Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said.

Hernandez tried to intervene, and Robinson threw him on the ground, shooting him in the back. The two brothers tried to escape, but Robinson continued to fire, striking Hernandez twice more with gunfire and killing him. Hernandez was hit twice in the back and once in the back of his arm.

Zavala was struck twice by gunfire but survived and was able to testify at trial.

“Cooperating witnesses along with the team work of prosecutors and CPD investigators made this conviction possible. The jury paid close attention to the evidence and the defendant’s testimony and delivered Robinson the justice he deserved,” Solicitor Wilson stated.

Defense attorneys argued Robinson was acting in self-defense. The jury agreed with state prosecutors and found him guilty of the charges stated above.

Assistant Solicitors Sara Bozarth and Chad Simpson prosecuted this case. Blair Jennings represented Robinson.